Those who live with tinnitus on a daily basis have found individual methods for minimizing the incessant noise they hear through the use of other distracting and/or complimentary sounds. The effort is known as tinnitus masking.

Methods employed to dim tinnitus noise range from high tech hearing-aid-like devices designed to match tinnitus frequencies to less costly and pragmatic ideas such as cracking the car window when on the freeway or leaving the radio on a night while attempting to fall asleep. 

Purchasing sound generators that can play various ambient sounds in a room such as ocean waves on a beach or a waterfall has helped many. These calming sounds have been shown to be helpful as a sleep aid… with or without tinnitus.

Now a website, SimplyNoise.com, provides white noise online, free. White noise commonly contains every audible frequency at approximately the same intensity, resulting in a ‘hissing’ sound.  An interactive volume slider at the website allows each individual to find their own comfort level. According to the site, white noise can aid sleep, enhance privacy, block distractions, mask tinnitus and soothe migraines.

Brent Curtis