How to Manage Tinnitus with Sound Masking Devices.
Tinnitus is a condition that causes a ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears. It can be very annoying and distressing, especially in quiet environments or at night. Tinnitus can have many causes, such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infection, stress, anxiety and depression. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to cope with it and reduce its impact on your quality of life.Tinnitus Sound Therapy.
One of the most popular and effective ways to manage tinnitus is sound therapy or sound enrichment. This involves listening to other sounds that can help you to distract from your tinnitus or to habituate to it. Habituation means that your brain learns to ignore your tinnitus and focus on other sounds instead. Sound therapy can help you to relax, sleep better and feel less bothered by your tinnitus.
Listening to white noise videos can help mask your Tinnitus.
There are different types of sound therapy devices that you can use to manage your tinnitus. Some of them are:
- Environmental sound: This is the natural or artificial sound that surrounds you in your daily life, such as music, TV, radio, fan, water fountain, etc. You can use these sounds to mask or cover up your tinnitus by adjusting the volume and the distance from your ears. You can also use apps or YouTube channels that offer various environmental sounds for free or for a fee.
- MP3's and downloads: These are recordings of soothing sounds that you can play on your computer, phone, tablet or digital player. You can choose from a variety of sounds, such as white noise, pink noise, brown noise, nature sounds, ocean waves, rain, etc. You can also find specialized MP3'S and downloads that are designed for tinnitus relief, such as notched music or customized sound therapy.
- Bedside / table-top sound generators: These are devices that produce different types of sounds that you can place near your bed or on a table. They usually have a timer and a volume control that you can adjust according to your preference. Some of them also have a headphone jack that you can use to listen privately.
- Wearable sound generators: These are devices that look like hearing aids or earphones that you can wear in or behind your ears. They produce different types of sounds that only you can hear. They are usually battery-operated and have a volume control that you can adjust according to your preference. Some of them also have a Bluetooth connection that you can use to stream sounds from your phone or other devices.
- Hearing aids: These are devices that amplify the sounds around you and help you to hear better. They can also help you to manage your tinnitus by increasing the level of environmental sound and reducing the contrast between your tinnitus and the background noise. Some hearing aids also have a built-in sound generator that you can use to mask or enrich your tinnitus.
How to choose the best sound therapy device for you?
The best sound therapy device for you depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and severity of your tinnitus
- The cause and duration of your tinnitus
- Your hearing ability and hearing loss
- Your lifestyle and preferences
- Your budget and availability
The best way to choose the best sound therapy device for you is to consult with an audiologist or a tinnitus specialist who can assess your condition and recommend the most suitable option for you. They can also help you to set up and use the device correctly and monitor your progress.
Some tips to get the most out of sound therapy are:
- Use the device regularly and consistently for at least 6-8 hours per day
- Set the volume of the device just below the level of your tinnitus
- Experiment with different types of sounds until you find the ones that work best for you
- Combine sound therapy with other coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness meditation, etc.
- Seek support from others who have tinnitus, such as online forums, support groups, etc.
Sound therapy is a safe and effective way to manage your tinnitus and improve your well-being. By using sound masking devices, you can reduce the awareness and annoyance of your tinnitus and enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable life.
If you want to learn more about sound therapy and how it can help you with your tinnitus, please visit our YouTube channel @tinnitusbreakingnews and another very good YouTube channel for those suffering with Tinnitus is @soothingsoundscapesounds or contact us today by leaving a comment below this post or email us.
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