Sound therapy treatment for tinnitus is one of the most effective ways to manage and reduce the annoying ringing in your ears. If you’re tired of the constant buzz, hiss, or tone that never seems to go away, you’re not alone. I’m Dr. Ben Thompson, audiologist and founder of Treble Health, and in this blog, I’m going to walk you through how sound therapy can be your game-changer. Just like you wouldn’t try to tough out a broken wrist without a cast, you shouldn’t try to battle tinnitus in silence. Let’s discuss how to use sound therapy the smart way.
Why Sound Therapy Works for Tinnitus
Let’s keep it simple. Your brain is reacting to the tinnitus signal in your auditory system. That reaction is often more intense when you’re in complete silence. Sound therapy treatment for tinnitus helps retrain your brain to tune it out. Think of it like background noise at a coffee shop. You hear it, but you don’t focus on it. That’s the goal with tinnitus.
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
"As a recent graduate who’s achieved stage four habituation, I cannot thank Treble Health enough for getting me to the finish line."
– Louis
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Louis and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
The main idea is sound enrichment. This means filling your environment with low-level, consistent types of sound to help your brain focus on something other than the ringing.
What is Sound Enrichment?
Sound enrichment is not about drowning out tinnitus completely. It’s about mixing it with pleasant, neutral sounds so your brain gradually stops reacting to it. Over time, the emotional and reactive part of the brain learns to tune it out.
You can use:
- White noise or pink noise
- Ocean waves, rain, or river sounds
- Instrumental music or nature sounds
- Podcasts, TV, or conversations
It doesn’t matter where the sound comes from. It just matters that you use it consistently.
Best Tools for Sound Therapy Treatment for Tinnitus
Let’s talk tech. There are many tools to help with sound therapy. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle and environment.
1.) Sound Machines
Simple and effective. Devices like the Sound Oasis machine cost around $50. These are great to place in your bedroom, home office, or kitchen. They don’t rely on Bluetooth and come preloaded with soothing types of sound. Use them during the day and night for consistent sound enrichment.
2.) Bone Conduction Headphones
These are amazing because they leave your ear canals open. That’s a big deal. Open ears allow natural sound in, which helps your brain with habituation. Bone conduction headphones rest on the bones near your ears and send sound through vibrations.
Great for:
- Daytime use
- Working from home
- Staying aware of surroundings
- Swimmers to prevent discomfort and for safety
3.) Hearing Aids with Sound Generators
If your hearing is normal or if you have any level of hearing loss, ear-level sound generators can be made just for you. These devices resemble hearing aids but are programmed specifically for tinnitus relief. Many modern hearing aids can also function as sound therapy devices, whether or not you have hearing loss.
Pro tip: These are considered the gold standard for sound therapy. Some even offer Bluetooth and app control.
4.) Sleep Headbands
Struggle with sleep? Bluetooth sleep headbands are soft, comfortable, and play gentle sound while you sleep. They’re a low-cost and non-invasive solution that many patients love. You can sleep on either side without discomfort.
5.) Bose Sleepbuds
These tiny devices fit snugly in your ears and play preloaded relaxing types of sound from the Bose app. They do block your ear canals, which is fine during sleep but not ideal for daytime use.
6.) Apple AirPods (with caution)
They can be used short-term, but they’re not ideal. AirPods block the ears and can make your tinnitus sound feel louder. They also change how your voice and outside world sound. If you have to use them, turn on transparency mode to allow some ambient sound through.
How to Use Sound Therapy Throughout the Day
Daytime Tips:
- Don’t sit in silence. Ever.
- Use sound machines, computer speakers or bone conduction headphones at work.
- Avoid completely masking tinnitus. You should still hear it slightly.
Evening and Nighttime Tips:
- Use sleep headbands or Bose Sleepbuds.
- Use on-ear sound devices or pillow speakers to make sleeping with tinnitus easier.
- Set a sleep timer or let the sound play all night, depending on what works for you.
- Additional tip: It’s okay to use more sound masking at night to help with sleep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to tough it out in silence. That doesn’t work. Your brain needs help to adapt.
- Playing sound too loudly. Keep the volume just below your tinnitus, not at full blast.
- Blocking your ears all day. It reduces exposure to ambient sound, which helps with retraining.
- Only using sound therapy at night. You need it during waking hours too.
- Expecting instant results. Habituation takes time, usually weeks to months.
The Good News: Most People Get Better
Tinnitus isn’t a life sentence. Most people get better when they use the right strategies. I’ve helped thousands of patients through this process, and I can confidently say: sound therapy treatment for tinnitus is a powerful tool when used consistently and correctly.
Stay hopeful. Retraining your brain is possible. Think about your lifestyle, pick the right tools, and keep at it.
Final Notes from Dr. Ben
You wouldn’t heal a broken wrist without a cast. Likewise, don’t try to “push through” tinnitus without support. Sound therapy treatment for tinnitus gives your brain the tools it needs to heal and adapt.
If you’re just starting, begin with a simple sound machine. As you learn more, try other options that suit your daily routine. And if you’re ever feeling stuck, reach out. We’re here to help.
Ready to Get Started with Sound Therapy?
If you’ve been trying to manage tinnitus on your own—especially in silence—it’s time to try something different. Sound therapy treatment for tinnitus isn’t just about adding background sound. It’s a proven, science-backed way to help your brain tune out the ringing and focus on what really matters in your life.
At Treble Health, we specialize in helping people like you find real relief. Whether it’s using sound machines at home, bone conduction headphones during the day, or sleep headbands at night, we’ll help you figure out the best setup for your lifestyle.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a personalized plan, designed by experts who understand what you’re going through—and how to help you move forward.
Schedule a free consultation with our team today. Let’s take the first step together toward making tinnitus a smaller part of your life.
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- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
- "I feel like Treble Health literally gave me my life back." - Randy S. (verified customer)
- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
