The best sounds for tinnitus masking
Finding the right background sound can transform your tinnitus masking experience. This activity engages your Frequency-Matched Masking + Habituation cognitive systems, which respond best to specific types of ambient sound.
Sons recommandés
white noise
Broadest frequency coverage. White noise spans the full audible spectrum, making it effective regardless of where your tinnitus frequency sits.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelpink noise
The most commonly recommended by audiologists. Pink noise's balanced profile covers the typical tinnitus range (2-8 kHz) without the harshness of white noise.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelrain sounds
Natural masking with a frequency profile close to pink noise. Many tinnitus sufferers prefer rain for all-day use because it's more pleasant than synthetic noise.
Recommended: match to tinnitus levelEssayer maintenant
Listen on Softly
Conseil pro
Don't drown out the tinnitus completely. Audiologists recommend "partial masking" — set volume so the tinnitus and masking sound blend together. Over time, this trains your brain to classify the tinnitus as unimportant (habituation).
Questions fréquentes
Will my tinnitus get worse if I use masking sounds?
No — at appropriate volumes, masking sounds don't worsen tinnitus. The concern is the opposite: in silence, the brain amplifies its sensitivity to the tinnitus signal, making it seem louder. Gentle background sound prevents this amplification.
What volume should I use for tinnitus masking?
For tinnitus masking, 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.