What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is often described as a "ringing in the ears", but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, and clicking. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, with single or multiple tones, and its perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn't a disease in itself but is a symptom of an underlying condition. The most common causes include:

• Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) or noise-induced hearing loss from exposure to loud sounds are the most common culprits.
• Earwax Blockage: Obstructions in the ear canal can cause pressure and affect ear function.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like Meniere's disease, TMJ disorders, head or neck injuries, and certain tumors can lead to tinnitus.
• Medications: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, and high doses of aspirin, are known to cause or worsen tinnitus.

How Can Sound Therapy Help?

While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, sound therapy is a highly effective management technique. The goal of sound therapy is to make the tinnitus less noticeable, providing relief and reducing the stress and anxiety associated with it.

Our app uses two primary forms of sound therapy:

1. Masking: By introducing an external sound (like our Sound Masker or Atmospheric Soundscapes), you can partially or completely cover up the sound of your tinnitus. This makes it less intrusive and helps your brain focus on other sounds.

2. Distraction: Engaging with pleasant sounds (like rain or ocean waves) can draw your attention away from the tinnitus, helping you to relax and feel more in control.

Explore the tools in our app to find the sounds that work best for you. Your journey to a calmer state of mind starts here.