What Is Sound Therapy for Tinnitus?

by | Jul 10, 2024 | Tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, can be a debilitating condition. For some, it occurs sporadically, but for others, it is a constant presence that affects their quality of life.

We specialize in tinnitus management, offering a range of solutions to help patients regain control over their lives.

Understanding Tinnitus and Its Impact

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, often related to hearing loss. It is believed to be a neurological response where the brain compensates for certain frequencies it no longer hears, similar to the “phantom limb” sensation experienced by amputees.

Common causes of tinnitus include prolonged exposure to loud noise, ototoxic drugs, diet, head trauma, stress, earwax buildup, vestibular issues, and hearing loss.

The constant noise can lead to difficulty concentrating, relaxing, and sleeping, contributing to additional stress, emotional distress, and physical health problems. Therefore, managing tinnitus is crucial for improving overall well-being and maintaining productivity.

What Is Sound Therapy?

Sound therapy is one of the most effective techniques for managing tinnitus. It involves the use of pleasant or calming sounds to mask or cover the tinnitus noise, making it less noticeable.

The principle behind sound therapy is that the brain can only focus on one thing at a time. By introducing external sounds, sound therapy helps shift the brain’s attention away from the tinnitus noise.

Types of Sound Therapy

We offer various sound therapy options tailored to meet individual needs:

  1. Masking Devices: These devices produce background noise, such as white noise, which masks the tinnitus sounds. They can be worn like hearing aids or used as standalone devices.
  2. Hearing Aids: For those with hearing loss, hearing aids not only improve hearing but also mask tinnitus by amplifying external sounds, making the tinnitus less noticeable.
  3. Sound Generators: These are small, portable devices that produce soothing sounds like ocean waves, rain, or nature sounds. They can be used during the day or at night to aid sleep.
  4. Various Tinnitus Management Apps: Apps located in the App Store or Play Store on your smart phone can help provide additional sound therapy options to help minimize tinnitus.
  5. The Sound Pillow® Sleep System: This system incorporates speakers within a pillow, providing a comfortable way to listen to soothing sounds throughout the night, helping to relax the body and mind.
  6. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to help patients habituate to the tinnitus noise. It involves using sound generators to produce low-level noise and cognitive behavioral therapy to address the emotional response to tinnitus.

Benefits of Sound Therapy

Sound therapy offers several benefits for tinnitus sufferers:

  • Relief: By masking the tinnitus noise, sound therapy provides relief and helps patients focus on tasks without being distracted by the ringing in their ears.
  • Improved Sleep: Sound therapy promotes better sleep by providing calming sounds that help relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: By diverting attention away from tinnitus, sound therapy helps reduce stress and anxiety associated with the condition.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, sound therapy improves the quality of life for tinnitus sufferers by helping them manage the condition more effectively.

Getting Started With Sound Therapy

If you’re experiencing persistent ringing in your ears and seeking relief, sound therapy might be the solution for you. Our tinnitus management specialists are here to help you find the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

Schedule a Hearing Assessment: Our comprehensive hearing assessment includes a detailed interview, hearing evaluation, and personalized treatment plan to address your specific symptoms and needs.

Contact Us Today: Don’t let tinnitus control your life. Reach out to Hearing & Balance Clinics to schedule an assessment and learn more about how sound therapy can help you manage your tinnitus symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Schedule Your Assessment Today

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

G’Anne Thomas Au. D.

Au.D. - Owner, Doctor of Audiology Dr. Thomas, a 30-year veteran in the field of Audiology, and has been serving the Northeast Georgia communities since 1988. She received her undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and her graduate degree in Audiology from University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama near her hometown of Birmingham. She received her doctorate in audiology from Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2000. She worked closely with Ear Nose and Throat physicians in private settings and hospitals prior to opening her own practice in 2003. Dr. Thomas is licensed in the state of Georgia and was a founding member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She holds memberships in the Georgia Academy of Audiology (GAA) and Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). She is certified by the Tinnitus Practitioners Association (TPA) and is certified as a Center of Specialty Care with American Institute of Balance (AIB). Dr. Thomas lives in Watkinsville, GA with her husband. She has two grown children; the youngest serves in the United States Air Force. Outside of audiology, Dr. Thomas loves to travel and spend time with her grandchildren. She is also an accomplished fused glass artist.

    Categories