Suffering From Tinnitus - Masking the Noises For Relief
Tinnitus can be extremely debilitating, and can have a huge impact on the lives of those who suffer from this condition.
It can be particularly difficult to cope with tinnitus at times when additional concentration is required, or when trying to relax and sleep, as it is often at these times when tinnitus sounds are more intrusive.
Masking is a technique often used to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
Masking works by using another noise to override or 'mask' the sounds of the tinnitus.
Masking can either be used for short periods of time, for example when studying or trying to sleep, or for longer periods in an attempt to desensitize sufferers to the noises associated with their condition.
Many people find relief from the noises of tinnitus when they are near to running water, such as a stream or even in a shower.
If you do find relief this way, it is possible to buy pre-recorded CDs which play the sounds of water.
This can promote restful sleep or help tinnitus sufferers to relax.
A lot of people find relief by playing their favourite music, or by listening to a radio which is not tuned into a station.
The resulting 'white noise' helps to reduce the contrast between the sounds associated with tinnitus and background noises, thus making the tinnitus sounds less intrusive.
It is possible to purchase CDs or MP3 downloads pre-recorded with white noise, which is especially effective when used at night.
Other sufferers report that switching on electrical items such as fans can mask the noise.
There are various commercial tinnitus maskers available with a choice of different sounds.
There are two main types available; portable maskers, which have the appearance of hearing aids and are designed to be carried by the sufferer, and table top maskers for use within the home.
It is important that portable maskers are set to the correct volume, and they should be fitted by a specialist.
Ideally the volume should be set at a level equal to or just below the tinnitus sounds rather than attempting to completely drown the noises, which could cause longer term complications and affect hearing.
In time, the sufferer should automatically disregard the background noise generated by the masker, and so will also disregard the tinnitus sounds it is masking.
Masking tinnitus sounds may not work for sufferers with hearing loss.
In some cases it may be necessary to fit a hearing aid before a masker can be effective.
Also, some people with tinnitus hear more than one type of sound.
Using masking techniques may only be effective in blocking one of these sounds.
If your tinnitus is affecting your sleep pattern or concentration, or the noises associated with it are becoming intolerable, you may wish to try using masking techniques to find some relief.
It can be particularly difficult to cope with tinnitus at times when additional concentration is required, or when trying to relax and sleep, as it is often at these times when tinnitus sounds are more intrusive.
Masking is a technique often used to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
Masking works by using another noise to override or 'mask' the sounds of the tinnitus.
Masking can either be used for short periods of time, for example when studying or trying to sleep, or for longer periods in an attempt to desensitize sufferers to the noises associated with their condition.
Many people find relief from the noises of tinnitus when they are near to running water, such as a stream or even in a shower.
If you do find relief this way, it is possible to buy pre-recorded CDs which play the sounds of water.
This can promote restful sleep or help tinnitus sufferers to relax.
A lot of people find relief by playing their favourite music, or by listening to a radio which is not tuned into a station.
The resulting 'white noise' helps to reduce the contrast between the sounds associated with tinnitus and background noises, thus making the tinnitus sounds less intrusive.
It is possible to purchase CDs or MP3 downloads pre-recorded with white noise, which is especially effective when used at night.
Other sufferers report that switching on electrical items such as fans can mask the noise.
There are various commercial tinnitus maskers available with a choice of different sounds.
There are two main types available; portable maskers, which have the appearance of hearing aids and are designed to be carried by the sufferer, and table top maskers for use within the home.
It is important that portable maskers are set to the correct volume, and they should be fitted by a specialist.
Ideally the volume should be set at a level equal to or just below the tinnitus sounds rather than attempting to completely drown the noises, which could cause longer term complications and affect hearing.
In time, the sufferer should automatically disregard the background noise generated by the masker, and so will also disregard the tinnitus sounds it is masking.
Masking tinnitus sounds may not work for sufferers with hearing loss.
In some cases it may be necessary to fit a hearing aid before a masker can be effective.
Also, some people with tinnitus hear more than one type of sound.
Using masking techniques may only be effective in blocking one of these sounds.
If your tinnitus is affecting your sleep pattern or concentration, or the noises associated with it are becoming intolerable, you may wish to try using masking techniques to find some relief.
