What “sound therapy” means in this context
In everyday use, sound therapy for tinnitus usually means adding a gentle background sound—broadband noise, nature sounds or music—so the tinnitus is less prominent against silence. This is a masking effect, similar in principle to masking snoring or traffic: the underlying sound is still there, but a comfortable background layer makes it less the centre of attention.
This is different from clinical approaches such as tinnitus retraining therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy, which are structured programmes delivered by trained professionals. General background sound is a self-directed comfort tool, not a clinical protocol.
Why tinnitus often feels louder in quiet rooms
Many people notice tinnitus more at night or in silent spaces simply because there is less other sound to compete with it. A very low level of background sound—well below anything that could affect hearing—can restore some of that everyday competition without needing to be loud.
Choosing a sound
White or pink noise covers a wide frequency range and is a common starting point; some people find it too sharp at higher tinnitus pitches.
Brown noise, rain or airflow can feel gentler for extended evening or overnight use.
Ocean, rain or fan-like sounds are popular because they feel less clinical than plain coloured noise, though the masking effect is similar.
What works varies by the pitch and character of the tinnitus and by personal comfort—there is no single recommended sound for everyone.
A safe listening level
- Use a level that sits just below the tinnitus, not one that tries to drown it out entirely.
- Prefer speakers over headphones for all-night use where practical, and keep headphone sessions shorter.
- Follow general safe-listening guidance—the World Health Organization recommends keeping personal listening devices at moderate volume and taking regular breaks.
- If a sound needs to be uncomfortably loud to have any effect, it is the wrong sound or the wrong approach, not a signal to turn it up further.
See WHO safe-listening guidance for general volume and duration limits.
When to see a hearing specialist
Tinnitus that starts suddenly, affects one ear only, comes with hearing loss or dizziness, or follows an injury or loud noise exposure should be assessed by a doctor or audiologist rather than managed with background sound alone. Ongoing or worsening tinnitus, even without those features, is also worth a proper hearing assessment.
Read the NHS guidance on tinnitus for when to seek medical advice.
Masking is comfort, not treatment
Audami and general background-sound apps are comfort tools. They do not diagnose tinnitus, do not reduce its underlying cause, and are not a substitute for clinical tinnitus management delivered by a qualified professional.