Many people love sleeping with the fan on because it promotes a sense of calm, covers traffic noise and keeps the air cool. The sense of calm you receive from the white noise of a box fan is similar to the theory behind sound enrichment therapy for tinnitus symptoms.
Sound enrichment therapy refers to the use of calming sounds, such as white or pink noise, to distract from the presence of tinnitus. Because the brain cannot entirely focus on two things simultaneously, sound enrichment therapy provides an effective distraction. Let’s look at tinnitus and a few sound enrichment therapy machines that may help you manage it.
What To Know About Tinnitus
Tinnitus fills your ears with a ringing, buzzing or roaring noise that cannot be attributed to an external source. Affecting more than 50 million people in the United States, tinnitus may arise from hearing loss, ototoxic medication, physical trauma, loud noise exposure and more.
Tinnitus cases are categorized as either bothersome or nonbothersome. Bothersome tinnitus is frequent or loud and can severely impact your life. Nonbothersome tinnitus is usually infrequent and easily brushed off.
Hearing Aids To Manage Tinnitus
Hearing aids are remarkable tools that collect and amplify essential noise to help you communicate with those around you. In addition to improving your communication and understanding, many hearing aids come equipped with tinnitus masking features.
The small devices play ambient noise or amplify external sounds to reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life. They are a great option to wear during the day to prevent tinnitus from affecting your work, school or even your enjoyment of a simple cup of coffee from Milk and Honey Coffeehouse. Because tinnitus often cooccurs with hearing loss, you may already be wearing hearing aids. If this is the case, contact your hearing aid specialist to discuss any tinnitus features your devices may have.
White Noise Machines
White noise machines are an excellent sound enrichment option when you cannot wear hearing aids, such as when sleeping. Noise machines may be marketed specifically for tinnitus, anxiety or insomnia and tend to come equipped with a variety of soothing sounds.
Tinnitus Apps
Our smartphones give us directions, allow us to video chat with our family and can even help manage tinnitus. Consider downloading a tinnitus sound enrichment app to help you manage your symptoms.
Tinnitus does not need to control your device. Reach out to Wilmington Audiology Services today to make an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss your best treatment options.