Sienna Rhodes
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It often sounds like ringing, clicking, hissing or roaring. While sound therapy has proven to be an effective source of tinnitus relief, there are concerns about the unintended consequences of white noise therapy. Some sources advise against the use of white noise machines, citing potential harm to the central auditory system and the brain. On the other hand, several companies offer sound therapy systems specifically designed for tinnitus relief, with customizable sound cards and high-quality audio. These machines aim to mask disruptive tinnitus sounds and improve sleep quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White noise machine | Sound Oasis BST-150T Tinnitus Sound Therapy System |
| Price | $69.99 |
| Benefits | Provides relief from tinnitus, helps with sleep |
| Effectiveness | Clinically proven |
| Customization | Customizable sound card, ability to create your own sound cards |
| Sound Quality | CD quality audio, higher quality than CD |
| Power Source | USB powered |
| Drawbacks | May undermine the integrity of the central auditory system and the brain in the long term |
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What You'll Learn
Sound therapy can help mask tinnitus
Sound therapy has proven to be an effective source of tinnitus relief. Sound Oasis, for example, provides a selection of sounds recommended by audiologists worldwide. Their Tinnitus Sound Therapy System has been specifically developed to mask and reduce disruptive tinnitus sounds. The system includes a variety of sounds, including nature sounds, that play at a higher quality than a CD to immerse you in relaxing audio and help you sleep.
The Sound Oasis Tinnitus Sound Therapy System also includes custom sound cards that can be tailored to your preferences. You can choose from a mix of up to 24 expertly crafted sleep and relaxation sounds, which can be downloaded to an SD card. This feature allows you to create a personalized sound experience that best suits your needs.
In addition to the Sound Oasis system, there are other sound therapy options available on the market. For example, Yogasleep offers a range of sound therapy machines, such as the Dohm DS White Noise Sound Therapy Machine and the Rohm Travel Sound Therapy Machine, which are designed to help with sleep and tinnitus relief.
While sound therapy can be beneficial for managing tinnitus, it is important to note that unstructured, random ("white") noise therapies should be avoided as a long-term treatment for tinnitus. This is because they can undermine the functional and structural integrity of the central auditory system and the brain more generally. Instead, structured and customized sound therapies, such as those offered by Sound Oasis and Yogasleep, may be more suitable for providing relief without potentially negative long-term effects.
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White noise machines can help you sleep
White noise machines can be effective in improving sleep quality and promoting relaxation. They work by blocking out external noise and creating a calm environment, which can be particularly beneficial for those who live in noisy areas. The masking effect of white noise helps to muffle disruptive sounds, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Research supports the use of white noise machines for better sleep. Dr. Sogol Javaheri, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, notes that studies have shown white noise can reduce heart rate and respiratory rate, helping individuals relax and fall asleep more easily. Additionally, white noise machines can be especially useful for individuals with tinnitus. By producing a continuous sound, these machines can effectively mask the ringing or buzzing associated with tinnitus, providing much-needed relief and making it simpler to fall asleep.
However, it is important to note that white noise machines may not work for everyone. Some people may find the sound distracting or ineffective at blocking external noise. Additionally, there are potential concerns about the impact of white noise on hearing, especially when played at high volumes. It is recommended to use white noise machines at low volumes and for short periods to avoid any potential hearing damage.
It is also worth considering other types of noise, such as pink and brown noise, which have been studied for their potential sleep benefits. Pink noise, for example, has more intense lower frequencies, creating a deeper sound than white noise. Studies suggest that pink noise can enhance deep sleep and improve cognitive performance, especially in older adults. Brown noise, on the other hand, reduces higher sound frequencies, resulting in a grainier or rougher sound compared to pink and white noise. While more research is needed to determine the optimal volume and duration for these noise colours, they can be used for a set time to help individuals fall asleep faster.
Overall, white noise machines can be a valuable tool for improving sleep, particularly in noisy environments. However, they should be used alongside addressing any underlying sleep issues with the help of a healthcare professional.
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Customisable sounds for tinnitus relief
Tinnitus is a condition where one experiences a sound mistakenly created by their brain, usually due to the brain attempting to adjust for hearing loss. There is no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are several ways to manage and reduce its effects, such as sound therapy, which can improve one's quality of life.
Sound therapy, also known as tinnitus masking or sound-based relief, uses wearable ear-level devices ("maskers") to provide palliative tinnitus relief. Sounds used in tinnitus management can include amplified sound from hearing aids, environmental sounds, music, or noise from noise generators. The use of sound therapy can help minimize the contrast between the tinnitus and the surrounding sound environment to provide relief from the annoying sound.
Widex SoundRelax™ is a feature in Widex hearing aids that helps reduce the stress and perception of tinnitus, using soothing nature-inspired fractal tones. The SoundRelax tones are based on fractal technology and play random, chime-like tones that can be used for relaxation and for making tinnitus less noticeable. The tones repeat enough to sound familiar but vary enough to not be predictable and are therefore not associated with music, which one might memorize and become “immune” to its relaxation and tinnitus masking effects.
AudioNotch is another sound therapy option that uses "notched sound therapy" to lower the volume of tinnitus. Notched sound therapy is audio that is “notched” at the user's tinnitus frequency to reverse the brain's adjustment error. AudioNotch allows users to create their own "Notched Sound Therapy" files using preset sounds or their own music.
There are also other customisable sounds for tinnitus relief, such as the Dynamic Tinnitus Mitigation (DTM-6a) system by Petroff Audio Technologies, Inc. and the Moses/Lang CD7 system by Oregon Hearing Research Center. These systems provide various sounds that have been shown to provide a significant reduction in tinnitus annoyance.
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Potential negative long-term effects on the brain
While sound machines can be helpful in the short term for blocking out unwanted noise, there are some potential negative long-term effects on the brain, particularly in children, that should be considered.
Firstly, the volume of the sound machine is crucial. White noise machines can exceed 91 dB on maximum volume, which exceeds the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) noise exposure guidelines for a 2-hour period for adults. For context, apps are potentially the most dangerous as the maximum output of a cellular phone can reach levels of around 100 dB. Prolonged exposure to such high-intensity noise can lead to hearing damage. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the volume as low as possible, ideally at or below 50 dB, and to maintain a distance of at least 7 feet from the sound source.
Secondly, there is evidence to suggest that continuous exposure to moderate-intensity white noise can have detrimental effects on early development in animal models. While human subject data is limited, it tends to support these findings. The constant unchanging noise of white noise machines may be particularly harmful to brain development, although more research is needed to determine the optimal intensity and duration of white noise exposure for different age groups.
Additionally, while the primary purpose of sound machines is to promote better sleep, there is some controversy surrounding the potential disruption of sleep quality and brain processing caused by certain types of white noise. However, these studies are considered weak and controversial, and the benefits of uninterrupted sleep may outweigh the potential risks for individuals living in noisy environments.
In summary, while sound machines can be beneficial in blocking out unwanted noise, it is important to be mindful of the volume and duration of use, especially for children. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise can lead to hearing damage and potentially impact brain development. Therefore, it is recommended to follow safety guidelines, such as those provided by the AAP, to minimize any potential negative effects on the brain and overall development.
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Sound Oasis BST-150T Tinnitus Sound Therapy System
Sound machines have been proven to help manage tinnitus. However, it is important to avoid sound therapies that use unstructured, random ("white") noise.
The Sound Oasis BST-150T Tinnitus Sound Therapy System is a device that helps manage tinnitus and improves sleep quality. It is a sound therapy system that includes a selection of 30 audiologist-recommended sounds specifically designed for tinnitus relief. These sounds are said to be the ones most commonly advised by audiologists for tinnitus management. This system also includes a Sleep Intelligent™ alarm clock with a sleep-friendly orange light that has 31 brightness settings, including an option to turn it off completely. The alarm clock has three settings: chime, beep, and last played sound, along with a Play/Pause button that is easy to locate in the dark.
The device is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing users to stream new music or sounds from any Bluetooth device. It also comes with a headphone jack for private use. The BST-150T features a rechargeable battery with a 2-3 hour charge time and a 7-16 hour playtime. It can be used cord-free or kept plugged in using the included USB-C charging cable.
The Sound Oasis BST-150T is compact and portable, making it convenient for both home and travel use. It includes a rear-facing speaker and a subwoofer for high-quality, rich, bass-filled sound. Additionally, it offers exclusive sound card technology, allowing users to purchase ready-made sound cards or individual sounds from Sound Oasis to further customize their sound experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It often sounds like ringing, clicking, hissing or roaring.
Sound therapy has proven to be an effective source of tinnitus relief. Sound machines can help mask and reduce disruptive tinnitus sounds.
Some sound machines that can help with tinnitus include the Sound Oasis BST-150T Tinnitus Sound Therapy System Alarm Clock and the Yogasleep Dohm DS White Noise Sound Therapy Machine.
Sound machines use a variety of sounds, such as white noise or nature sounds, to help mask and distract from the perception of tinnitus.
While sound machines can provide short-term relief, some sources suggest that noise exposure therapies can undermine the functional and structural integrity of the central auditory system and the brain in the long term.
