Technology and Tinnitus: How Sound Masking Devices Can Provide Comfort

There’s no way to deny technology’s positive impact on the hearing health industry. It’s why you can begin to smile knowing that tinnitus can be effectively managed with some tech devices and an audiologist’s help. The constant ringing in the ears makes concentrating on conversations difficult and reduces sleep quality. Considering that over 25-million Americans experience tinnitus, it may be worthwhile to learn about the different ways technology is helping provide relief and comfort.

Sound Generators

The sound generator can be your auditory sanctuary at home. It significantly affects your perception of internal sounds that have no external triggers. A sound generator is a common tool in tinnitus management, and you may find it worth having too. These devices are designed to sit comfortably on your bedside table and mimic different natural sounds to tone down your tinnitus symptoms.

You can set the sound generator to emit rain shower sounds or the wind blowing; the choice is yours as long as it gives you much-needed relief. These are known as ambient tones that promote serenity while masking tinnitus symptoms. You can be at home and transform your space into a tranquil escape where ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds are no longer a bother, as long as the sound generator is on.

Hearing Aids

The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of hearing aids is restoring sounds after auditory loss. However, there’s more to hearing aids than that. These tiny devices have evolved over the years beyond their traditional roles and become sources of comfort for many. People experiencing tinnitus symptoms say hearing aids with masking features are excellent distractions from all the phantom sounds. An audiologist will finetune your device if there’s a need to be fitted with these devices to manage tinnitus symptoms.

Some hearing aids come with additional features that provide background sounds, technology makes it possible to create a pleasant distraction. An audiologist will also teach you how to program your hearing aids in different settings if needed. That way, you can switch from one background sound to another without the tinnitus symptoms taking over your mind or auditory tranquility.

Tinnitus Relief Pillows

Now more than ever, you can smile to bed and expect quality sleep. Your pillow is now a part of the technological advancement in healthcare, particularly regarding your hearing. These innovative pillows have built-in sound modules that mask tinnitus sounds to give you uninterrupted sleep. The last things you hear before drifting off are gentle, soothing sounds that usher you into a realm of peaceful sleep.

There are some differences to be aware of, though. Some pillows are already pre-installed with sound nodules, while others aren’t. With the latter, you must purchase tiny, approved speakers to be plugged into the mains and placed in your usual pillow. Any ordinary pillow will do as long as there is a space for the speakers to be placed in it.

You can take preventative measures with tinnitus and hearing loss by making some certain lifestyle modifications. While it’s not a given, you will have a better chance of reducing your risks than someone who doesn’t take precautions. In the meantime, it would help to quit smoking and excessive drinking. Your audiologist might suggest alterations to any medications that may trigger tinnitus symptoms.