The best sounds for tinnitus relief
A persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing that only you can hear. Tinnitus affects 10-15% of adults and is most noticeable in quiet environments — silence makes it louder.
How sound helps
How Sound Masking Works: Your brain is wired to monitor for unexpected sounds - it's an ancient survival mechanism. When a dog barks, a door slams, or a neighbour's TV bleeds through the wall, your auditory system flags it as a potential threat, triggering a micro-stress response. Continuous ambient sound (rain, pink noise, brown noise) creates a consistent "floor" that makes these interruptions less detectable. The disruptive sound doesn't disappear - it becomes lost in the background, like a whisper at a party.
Source: General acoustic masking principles
Setup guide
The goal is NOT to drown out the tinnitus. Set volume so masking sound and tinnitus blend together — barely noticeable but not completely hidden. This promotes habituation.
Recommended sounds
pink noise
The most commonly recommended by audiologists. Balanced profile covers the typical tinnitus frequency range without being harsh.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelrain sounds
Frequency profile close to pink noise. Many tinnitus sufferers prefer rain for long-term use because it's more pleasant.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelforest sounds
Running water provides consistent broad-spectrum masking. Naturalistic quality makes it suitable for all-day use.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelTry it now
Listen on Softly
Pro tip
Avoid silence. The brain amplifies tinnitus perception in quiet environments. Even very low-level sound (25-35 dB) provides meaningful relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I mask my tinnitus completely?
No — complete masking can prevent habituation. Audiologists recommend "partial masking" where the tinnitus is still faintly detectable. This teaches the brain to classify the sound as unimportant.
How does sound help with tinnitus?
How Sound Masking Works: Your brain is wired to monitor for unexpected sounds - it's an ancient survival mechanism. When a dog barks, a door slams, or a neighbour's TV bleeds through the wall, your auditory system flags it as a potential threat, triggering a micro-stress response. Continuous ambient sound (rain, pink noise, brown noise) creates a consistent "floor" that makes these interruptions less detectable. The disruptive sound doesn't disappear - it becomes lost in the background, like a whisper at a party.
What volume should I use for tinnitus?
For tinnitus, set your volume to match to tinnitus level. This range is based on acoustic research — loud enough to mask distracting noise, quiet enough to avoid auditory fatigue during extended listening.