Ringing Ears? Learn More About White Noise for Tinnitus Relief

Have you ever been lucky enough to score front-row tickets to see your favorite band in concert? Exciting, wasn't it? But did you also suffer the very unpleasant experience of persistent ringing in your ears long after the music stopped?

If so, you were one of the millions of people in the United States who have experienced tinnitus. While tinnitus is most commonly described as ringing in the ears, people can also experience roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sounds.

Tinnitus may occur in one or both ears, and it may be loud or soft, high-pitched, or low-pitched. While these sensations can be very bothersome, the good news is that tinnitus is not permanent and will usually go away entirely on its own.

At the same time, tinnitus can last for months at a time. And in certain instances, it may not go away at all. When this happens, the condition is known as chronic tinnitus, and those who suffer from it report several negative impacts in various areas of their life—particularly sleep.

White noise can be a great way to alleviate your symptoms if you're one of those suffering from short-term or chronic tinnitus. In this post, we'll explain what tinnitus is, its various causes, and offer a special tip to help you cope with it.

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of something else affecting your auditory system. It's important to understand that your auditory system includes not only your ears but the nerves that connect them to your brain, as well as the part of the brain that processes sound.

While the tinnitus sufferer perceives a sensation of ringing (or other sounds) in their ears, the source actually comes from a neural network of brain cells. While several theories exist, scientists still don't agree about what specifically occurs in the brain that creates this illusion of sound.  

The causes of tinnitus can range from something as simple as earwax buildup to something as severe as a brain tumor. It can be the first sign of hearing loss in older people, but it can also be caused by starting or stopping certain medications.

Tinnitus is also exceedingly common among people who work in noisy environments. For example, musicians who are constantly exposed to loud music or construction workers who are surrounded by loud equipment tend to develop tinnitus over time.

There is also pulsatile tinnitus, a rare form of tinnitus that creates a distinct rhythmic pulsing in the ear. This form of tinnitus is caused by problems with blood flow to the head or neck and may be caused by abnormal brain structure.

Finally, some people experience tinnitus for no apparent reason. And while tinnitus is usually not a sign of a serious health problem, it's always best to check with your doctor to identify the root cause.

Tinnitus is a fairly common condition, and research has shown that nearly 21 million people living in the United States—or roughly 1 in 10 adults—experience tinnitus annually. Of those, 27% reported having symptoms for more than 15 years, and 36% said their symptoms were constant.

There is no cure for tinnitus, but several treatments are available. These include acoustic neural stimulation, cochlear implants, or antidepressants or antianxiety medications. The treatments prescribed to you will largely depend on the severity of your tinnitus and its impact on your life.

Another less invasive option is using white noise to mask the sensations of noise caused by tinnitus. Research has shown that sound therapy can provide positive therapeutic effects for tinnitus sufferers.

Please note that white noise is not a cure but simply a method of coping with tinnitus. Nevertheless, if tinnitus is particularly bothersome come bedtime, a white noise machine can be an effective method to increase relaxation and optimize sleep.

If you're interested in trying a white noise machine for tinnitus, you've come to the right place. We offer a variety of options, from classic, fan-based machines to ones that produce sound electronically. The following are some of our favorites.

The Dohm Classic is the original sound machine invented in 1962. This classic model features our signature fan-based natural white noise machine with two speed options to help you adjust the tone. Simply set it on your nightstand, flip the switch, and rotate the cap and collar to find the best sound for you.

For those looking for a few more sound options, the Soundcenter Multi-Sound Machine offers even more variety. With 6 sound options housed in a minimalistic design, you'll get access to white noise, brown noise, nature sounds, and lullabies. You can customize your sound settings with adjustable volume and sleep timers to better suit your needs.

The proven power of fan-based white noise gets an upgrade with the Dohm Nova Sound Machine. With 10 fan speeds, adjustable volume and tone, a sleep timer, plus a changeable amber night light, this machine puts a modern spin on a classic that will add a touch of sophistication to any bedtime routine.

With Yogasleep's collection of white noise machines, it's never been easier to take control of your sleep routine. While tinnitus can be challenging to live with, there is no reason it should cause stress or anxiety. Using a white noise machine can help you get a good night's sleep and stay focused and energized throughout the day.

The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or guarantee of outcome. The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should always consult a licensed physician.

Before taking any actions based upon such information, please consult the appropriate medical professional. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.