Tinnitus affects more than 25 million Americans, and for many people the first recommendation they receive is some form of sound therapy.
Because of the growing interest — and the wide range of devices, apps, and approaches — it’s important for consumers to understand what sound therapy actually is, how it works, and what research currently says about its effectiveness.
Sound therapy is an umbrella term for several techniques that use external sounds to help people manage tinnitus.
The goal is not to “cure” tinnitus, but to reduce the perception or emotional impact of the sound.
The most common types include:
Masking: Using white noise, nature sounds, fans, or sound generators to partially cover the tinnitus.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines sound therapy with counseling to help the brain habituate.
Notched Music Therapy: Music with frequencies removed to reduce the contrast between external sound and tinnitus.
Hearing Aids With Noise Programs: Many devices from brands like Phonak, Signia, Widex, Oticon, and Starkey include built-in sound generators.
Mobile Apps: White-noise apps, nature-sound apps, and tinnitus-focused programs.
A large portion of tinnitus sufferers report that sound therapy offers temporary reduction in awareness, but not long-term relief.
There are several reasons for this:
Tinnitus isn’t a single condition. It may relate to
– auditory system changes,
– stress,
– hearing loss,
– noise exposure,
– neurological factors,
– blood-flow changes, or
– lifestyle-related triggers.
Because of this complexity, no single sound protocol can cover all cases.
Masking is useful for sleep and concentration, but once the device is removed, many people report the tinnitus returns at its usual level.
Some people expect sound therapy to “fix” tinnitus, but clinicians generally position it as a management tool rather than a cure.
Studies over the years show mixed but promising results for certain groups of patients.
Key takeaways:
Sound therapy can reduce stress response around tinnitus.
It often works best as part of a broader management plan.
People with co-existing hearing loss tend to benefit more from hearing aids combined with sound therapy.
Long-term benefit varies widely from person to person.
Because tinnitus itself is diverse, ongoing research continues to explore which individuals are most likely to benefit.
Costs vary widely depending on the approach:
Clinic-based sound therapy programs: $1,500 to $4,000+
Specialized devices: $500 – $2,500
Hearing aids with built-in masking: $3,000 – $7,000 per pair
Apps: Free – $15/month
People should always compare options, ask about trial periods, and confirm whether their insurance covers tinnitus-related services.
Start with free or low-cost options to understand which sounds you respond to.
If you have hearing loss, consider a hearing evaluation, as hearing aids alone can sometimes reduce tinnitus perception.
Track when your tinnitus feels worse — sleep, caffeine, stress, or loud environments may play a role.
Seek evidence-based guidance from licensed audiologists familiar with tinnitus management.
For a deeper look at clinically accepted tinnitus management — including sound therapy — consult reputable associations such as the American Tinnitus Association (ATA).