Can Sound Therapy Help Relieve Your Tinnitus? Here’s How to Get Started
Dr. Marie Vetter-Toalson Au.D.
Published June 16, 2022
Characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, tinnitus can be a frustrating and challenging condition to live with. Although people with tinnitus can often ‘hear’ noises, these sounds don’t have an external cause. As a result, people with tinnitus typically experience on-going irritation due to the presence of a sound that isn’t really there. Can sound therapy help? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Tinnitus and what causes it?
Imagine constantly hearing a sound that other people cannot hear and that never goes away. This is tinnitus. Most people assume that it refers to a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears, but tinnitus can also involve clicking, whooshing, humming, hissing or other types of sounds. For some people, tinnitus causes constant noise, which can make it difficult to concentrate on day-to-day tasks and can affect their quality of life. Although the cause of tinnitus is not yet fully known, it’s often associated with hearing loss, long-term exposure to loud noises, middle ear problems like an infection, a tumor or cyst pinching nerves in the ear, or something as simple as earwax buildup. While there’s currently no known cure for tinnitus, there are a number of ways to get at least some soothing relief. One of the most well-established methods is sound therapy.
How can sound therapy help tune out tinnitus?
Sound therapy uses external noise to alter your perception of or reaction to tinnitus. Its two common types are masking and habituation, or retraining therapy.
Masking
This describes treatment options that use devices (known as sound maskers) that play noises loud enough to cover up—or mask—your tinnitus. The sound can be anything from white noise to nature or ambient sounds. Listening to sound machines or music through headphones or other devices can offer temporary breaks from the perception of tinnitus. As many people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss, hearing aids can be used to mask tinnitus by turning up the volume on outside noises. This works especially well when hearing loss and tinnitus occur within the same frequency range. The audiologist customizes the masking based on your hearing and tinnitus severity, which is found during a tinnitus evaluation.
Habituation
Also known as tinnitus retraining therapy, this process trains your brain to become more accustomed to tinnitus and learn to ‘ignore’ it. During habituation, you listen to noises for long periods. Widex Zen is a series of non-repeating sounds. Widex Zen is backed by research and has proven to be an effective management strategy for tinnitus. Eventually, your brain learns to ignore the tone, along with the tinnitus sound. This doesn’t mean that your tinnitus goes away, only that your brain learns to classify the sound as something unimportant. Similarly to the way you learn to tune out traffic if you live on a busy street. After a while, you no longer notice the sound of passing cars. The therapy is done with guidance from an audiologist and the time frame varies per person, usually anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Many patients notice a significant reduction in their tinnitus within the first six months.
How to get started
Remember that no tinnitus treatment works immediately—it takes time and commitment from you to minimize your tinnitus. You can get started by playing soothing tinnitus masking sounds like white noise and nature sounds into your ears, often at night, to hide the ringing, hissing or clicking tinnitus sound. You can do this with either an app or a dedicated tinnitus therapy device. This will start training your brain to filter out the background sounds that are not important enough to be acknowledged. To begin tinnitus treatment with sound therapy, it’s best to speak to your audiologist about which devices or apps would be ideal for your specific case of tinnitus.
If you experience tinnitus and find it uncomfortable or overwhelming, speaking to a trained audiologist can assist in the treatment of your tinnitus and can help provide relief from the condition in a variety of ways.
Dr. Marie Vetter-Toalson Au.D. is the owner of Chicago Hearing Services and a Doctor of Audiology dedicated to empowering her patients and the public with greater knowledge and education around hearing health.
Lenire is a treatment device proven to reduce the severity of tinnitus that can be used from the comfort of your home. Click below to learn more and request an appointment!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does online tinnitus retraining therapy differ from in-person therapy?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy differs from in-person therapy primarily in its delivery method; it offers flexibility and convenience through virtual sessions, while in-person therapy provides direct, face-to-face interaction with an audiologist for personalized guidance and support.
What are the benefits of online tinnitus retraining therapy?
The benefits of online tinnitus retraining therapy include increased accessibility, personalized treatment plans, and the convenience of participating from home, allowing individuals to effectively manage their tinnitus symptoms at their own pace.
How does sound therapy relieve tinnitus symptoms?
Sound therapy relieves tinnitus symptoms by using external sounds to mask or alter the perception of tinnitus, helping the brain to focus on these sounds rather than the ringing or buzzing, ultimately reducing the distress associated with the condition.
Can tinnitus sound therapy help with sleep?
Tinnitus sound therapy can help with sleep by providing soothing background noise that masks the ringing sounds associated with tinnitus. This can create a more peaceful sleep environment, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
What is sound therapy for tinnitus and how does it work?
Sound therapy for tinnitus involves using external sounds to help mask or reduce the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears. It works by providing auditory stimulation that can help the brain focus less on the tinnitus, promoting relief and improved quality of life.
What is online tinnitus retraining therapy, and how does it work?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines sound therapy and counseling to help individuals manage their tinnitus. It works by gradually desensitizing the brain to tinnitus sounds, promoting habituation and reducing the perception of discomfort associated with the condition.
Can online tinnitus retraining therapy be customized to individual needs?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy can be customized to individual needs. Tailored approaches consider personal tinnitus experiences, preferences, and specific symptoms, ensuring effective management and relief.
Is online tinnitus retraining therapy covered by health insurance?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy may be covered by health insurance, but coverage varies by provider and plan. It's best to check with your insurance company for specific details regarding your policy.
Can sound therapy be used with other tinnitus treatments?
Sound therapy can be effectively combined with other tinnitus treatments. Integrating sound therapy with approaches like counseling or medication can enhance overall management of tinnitus symptoms for better relief.
What are the different types of tinnitus sound therapy?
The different types of tinnitus sound therapy include masking, which uses external sounds to cover up tinnitus, and habituation, which helps the brain adapt to the perception of tinnitus over time.
What equipment is needed for online tinnitus retraining therapy?
The equipment needed for online tinnitus retraining therapy includes a computer or tablet with internet access, headphones for sound therapy, and a quiet, comfortable space to participate in sessions effectively.
Are there any side effects of tinnitus sound therapy?
The side effects of tinnitus sound therapy are generally minimal. Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort or a slight increase in tinnitus perception during initial sessions, but these effects typically subside as the therapy progresses.
Is sound therapy a permanent solution for tinnitus?
Sound therapy is not a permanent solution for tinnitus. While it can effectively manage symptoms and provide relief, ongoing treatment and consultation with an audiologist may be necessary for long-term management.
What types of sound therapy are used for tinnitus relief?
The types of sound therapy used for tinnitus relief include masking, which involves using external sounds to cover tinnitus, and habituation, which helps the brain adjust to the perception of tinnitus over time.
What are the benefits of sound therapy for tinnitus sufferers?
The benefits of sound therapy for tinnitus sufferers include reduced perception of ringing or buzzing sounds, improved concentration, and enhanced relaxation. This therapeutic approach helps individuals manage their symptoms more effectively, leading to a better quality of life.
Can tinnitus sound therapy be done at home?
Tinnitus sound therapy can be done at home. Utilizing sound masking devices or apps, individuals can create a soothing auditory environment to help manage their tinnitus symptoms effectively.
What is the purpose of tinnitus sound therapy treatment?
The purpose of tinnitus sound therapy treatment is to help individuals manage their tinnitus symptoms by using sound to mask or habituate the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Is sound therapy effective for tinnitus in both ears?
Sound therapy can be effective for managing tinnitus in both ears. It helps by providing auditory stimulation that can mask the perception of tinnitus, leading to relief for individuals experiencing symptoms bilaterally.
Can online tinnitus retraining therapy be done from anywhere?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy can be done from anywhere, allowing you to access personalized treatment and support from the comfort of your home. This flexibility ensures that you can engage in therapy sessions at your convenience.
Can sound therapy help with tinnitus-related anxiety?
Sound therapy can help alleviate tinnitus-related anxiety. By providing soothing background noise, it can distract from the perception of tinnitus and promote relaxation, ultimately reducing anxiety levels associated with this condition.
Is online tinnitus retraining therapy effective in reducing symptoms?
Online tinnitus retraining therapy is effective in reducing symptoms by helping individuals learn to manage their tinnitus through sound therapy and counseling techniques, promoting long-term relief and improved quality of life.
What techniques enhance online tinnitus retraining therapy?
Techniques that enhance online tinnitus retraining therapy include personalized sound therapy, mindfulness practices, and consistent follow-up with an audiologist. These methods help individuals effectively manage their tinnitus symptoms and promote long-term relief.
How effective is sound therapy for chronic tinnitus?
The effectiveness of sound therapy for chronic tinnitus varies by individual. Many patients experience significant relief from symptoms through techniques like masking and habituation, helping them manage their condition more effectively.
What duration is recommended for sound therapy sessions?
The recommended duration for sound therapy sessions typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. This allows sufficient time for effective sound exposure and personalized adjustments to address tinnitus symptoms.
Are there specific sounds used in tinnitus therapy?
Specific sounds are indeed used in tinnitus therapy. Techniques such as masking utilize white noise or nature sounds to help distract from tinnitus, while habituation therapy may incorporate tailored soundscapes to promote long-term relief.
How is progress measured in online tinnitus therapy?
Progress in online tinnitus therapy is measured through regular assessments of symptom severity, patient feedback, and improvements in daily functioning, allowing audiologists to tailor treatments effectively.
Can sound therapy be combined with medication?
Sound therapy can be combined with medication to enhance tinnitus management. This integrated approach can help address symptoms more effectively, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
What settings optimize sound therapy at home?
The settings that optimize sound therapy at home include a quiet environment with minimal distractions, comfortable volume levels that are soothing yet effective, and consistent use of sound therapy devices or apps tailored to your specific tinnitus needs.
Is individual counseling part of online therapy?
Individual counseling is indeed a component of online therapy. It allows clients to receive personalized support and guidance from a licensed therapist through virtual sessions, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
What research supports sound therapy effectiveness?
Research supporting the effectiveness of sound therapy for tinnitus includes numerous studies that demonstrate its ability to reduce perceived loudness and improve quality of life. Clinical trials have shown significant benefits from both masking and habituation techniques in managing tinnitus symptoms.
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