Hearing aids can be classified as a type of sound therapy because they augment external noise as a way of increasing auditory stimuli and diverting attention from the perception of tinnitus. Sound masking devices are typically only effective during or immediately after active use they have very limited longer-term effectiveness in reducing overall perception of tinnitus. In general the most effective masking sounds are those that elicit positive emotional responses in the patient. Even electric fans or table fountains can provide masking sounds. However, almost any sound-producing device can be used for masking purposes, including personal media players, computers, radios, and TV. The “traditional” sound masker is a single-function table-top or bedside device with several pre-set sound options.
The noise generated by sound machines can partially or fully mask a patient’s perception of tinnitus, providing relaxation and temporary respite from the condition.
These are devices or applications that provide generic background noise - often white noise, pink noise, nature sounds or other ambient, subtle sounds. Below is a list of general types of sound therapy products, and a discussion of their specific mechanisms of action and reported efficacy. There are many devices that offer different levels of sound therapy. Neuromodulation: the use of specialized sound to minimize the neural hyperactivity thought to be the underlying cause of tinnitus.Habituation: helping the patient’s brain reclassify tinnitus as an unimportant sound that should can be consciously ignored.Distraction: using external sound to divert a patient’s attention from the sound of tinnitus.Masking: exposing the patient to an external noise at a loud enough volume that it partially or completely covers the sound of their tinnitus.(Mechanisms of action are the putative processes, or reasons why, a given intervention is effective.) Different products may emphasize a specific aspect, or include a combination of approaches: Sound-based therapies function on four general mechanisms of action. Like other tinnitus treatments, sound therapies do not cure the condition, but they may significantly lower the perceived burden and intensity of tinnitus. In general, sound therapy means the use of external noise in order to alter a patient’s perception of, or reaction to, tinnitus. “Sound therapy” is a broad term that may be used in many ways, depending on the specific product, clinical setting, or individual clinician.