What Is Sound Therapy for Tinnitus?
Sound therapy is commonly used to reduce contrast between tinnitus and silence and make symptoms feel less intrusive in day-to-day situations.
Sound therapy for tinnitus is a self-management approach that uses external sounds to reduce the perceived contrast between your tinnitus and the surrounding environment. When tinnitus becomes noticeable in quiet spaces, the brain often amplifies the internal sound because there is little external input to balance it. By introducing gentle, controlled background sounds—such as white noise, nature sounds, or specially designed masking tones—sound therapy helps create a more balanced auditory environment where tinnitus feels less intrusive.
The effectiveness of sound therapy varies from person to person, which is why structured tracking and gradual adjustment are essential components of a successful routine. Some people find immediate relief with certain sound profiles, while others need to experiment with volume levels, sound types, and timing to discover what works best for their unique situation. The goal is not to completely mask or eliminate tinnitus, but rather to reduce its disruptive impact on daily activities like sleep, work, and relaxation.
Practical implementation of sound therapy involves selecting one sound profile and testing it consistently in the same environment for at least one to two weeks. This consistency allows you to gather meaningful data about how the sound affects your tinnitus perception, sleep quality, and overall comfort. Many people start with a volume level that blends with their tinnitus rather than overpowering it, as overly loud masking can be counterproductive and potentially harmful to hearing health.
Sound therapy works best when integrated into a broader self-management routine that includes tracking, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments. It is not a cure for tinnitus, but rather a tool that can help reduce the perceived burden and improve quality of life. For those new to tinnitus management, sound therapy offers a non-invasive, accessible starting point that can be adjusted based on personal response and changing needs over time.
When this is useful
- •Quiet environments make tinnitus stand out.
- •You want a structured, repeatable listening routine.
When this may not help
- •You expect an immediate cure from one sound session.
- •You need urgent medical diagnosis for new severe symptoms.
What you can do now
- 1Choose one gentle sound profile and test it in a consistent environment.
- 2Track comfort and tinnitus intensity before and after sessions.
- 3Adjust one variable at a time (volume, duration, or sound type).
TinnitusBuddy features used
Frequently asked questions
Is sound therapy the same for everyone?
No. People respond differently, which is why tracking and gradual adjustment are important.
How loud should sound therapy be?
A common starting point is a comfortable level that blends with tinnitus instead of overpowering it.
Can sound therapy replace medical care?
No. It is a self-management approach and not a substitute for medical evaluation when needed.
Related pages
Next step in the app
Open TinnitusBuddy and apply one routine from this page for 7 days before changing multiple variables.
Explore the iPhone app →Medical disclaimer
This page is educational and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment. Seek qualified medical care for urgent or worsening symptoms.