White Noise

[carol71]

I've down loaded an app onto my kindle, I used it last night but I still couldn't block out my T I think my sub conscious was all too aware,

Any tips would be much appreciated

[Hidden]

White noise or any other type of sound app that is used for sound enrichment isn't supposed to block out tinnitus. The reason is given in the post below.

Should I mask my tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a complex condition and if hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) is present it is even more. Many people new to tinnitus, have difficulty coping with it and understandably, getting rid of this constant intruder, that has suddenly invaded their life becomes paramount on their mind. In an attempt to do this, they will usually try every means possible to distract themselves from the tinnitus which will include masking it completely with another sound so that it can’t be heard.

However, tinnitus is quite resilient, any attempts to mask it completely are usually unsuccessful. As soon as the masking sound is removed or stopped temporarily, the brain will immediately focus back on it and often, it appears to be louder and more intrusive. This can cause stress. Anyone that doesn’t know, the more stressed we are the tinnitus becomes more intrusive, and the louder the tinnitus is the more stressed we are. It can become a vicious circle.

Anyone that is seasoned to tinnitus and has habituated, knows that trying to mask it completely so that it can’t be heard is not achievable. A much better way and preferred method that Hearing Therapists advise tinnitus patients, is to use sound enrichment.

One can use music or nature sounds from a sound machine and set the volume slightly below the tinnitus. By doing this, the brain over time will learn to no longer see the tinnitus as a threat and gradually push the noise further into the background giving it less importance, which is called habituation.

In-ear or BTE (behind the ear) white noise generators can also be used as part of TRT. They do a similar thing. By setting the volume slightly below the tinnitus, over time the brain habituates to the white noise and gradually pushes the tinnitus further into the background.

In my opinion, anyone that has tinnitus especially when it was caused by loud noise exposure, it is not a good idea to use headphones, even at low volume to play music or white noise for sound enrichment.

Sound Machines

I have recently been asked about the benefits of using a sound machine after someone read my post on another thread, please find it below.

I believe Sound Oasis makes the best sound machines and they are specifically designed for people with tinnitus although anyone will benefit using one. The quality of their digital sounds will be far superior to any homemade sounds that you compile if your intention is to use them for sound enrichment.

A sound machine can be used night and day but do their magic best when we are in deep sleep. It supplies the brain and auditory system with sound enrichment. Over time, the tinnitus is pushed further into the background making it less intrusive and will make the path to habituation easier.

The purpose of using a sound machine is to have it playing in the background without drawing attention to itself unlike a radio. For this reason, music isn't the best source for sound enrichment at night as it will draw the Brain’s attention and can delay the habituation process.

The advice of Professor Pawel Jastreboff, developer of TRT. Sound enrichment particularly at night should be used by anyone that has intrusive tinnitus.

I would go as far to say that it is imperative to do so if you want to help yourself. Over time you will get used to having sound around you both during the day and night. I find it strange to be in a very quiet room now having used a sound machine for so long.

Michael

PS: Many people have contacted me after they have habituated to their tinnitus and stopped using sound enrichment at night, only to find their tinnitus becoming intrusive again. The rule of thumb: avoid quiet rooms and surroundings especially at night by using a sound machine.

[Hidden]

Hi Carol,

Set it below your tinnitus so your brain works hard pick up the lower white noise and will over time( that could take a few weeks)help your brain build up its natural filter to not focus on your tinnitus or see it as a threat...lots of love glynis

Hope that helps

..

[carol71 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks i'll start tonight

[Hidden in reply to carol71]

Are you Carol off the old BTA forum I posted to you a few times when having a tough time...lots of love glynis

[carol71 in reply to Hidden]

No I haven't been on here long Glynis

[NicBTA Partner]

Hi Carol

Sound therapy - or indeed any type of tinnitus management technique - isn't going to be an instant fix. You need to almost train your brain to focus on something other than your tinnitus, and that will take time - a bit like training a puppy!

You can find out more about using sound here: tinnitus.org.uk/sound-therapy - this information has been written by a very experience hearing therapist, I hope you find it helpful.

[davewillcom]

Hi Carol,

The mind is like a computer. Garbage in garbage out - 'GIGO'

The subconscious mind is the culprit to that which ails many folk. You have to guard against false input and frivolous nonsense when you are drifting off to sleep. The imaginary scenes and conversations that we indulge in are all the start that an active subconscious mind needs to race away into fantasy. Couple that with a 'masker' in the background and you are in for an insomniac night with tinnitus reigning supreme. (Notice the t word is a lower case print - I refuse to give the status of an upper case letter) So here's what I do to get to sleep:-

Get into diaphragm breathing mode. Put one hand on your chest and one hand on your abdomen. Inhale a slow deep breath by distending the stomach wall allowing the diaphragm to pull down and draw the air in. When you have a full breath, expand the chest and you will draw in more air. Let all air slowly exhale by reversing the action of the chest, and then drawing the stomach in. Do this about eight or nine times as slow as is comfortable for you. After that just use the stomach to settle into a steady natural rhythm. At the same time that you are doing all this, count back from 100 in your head. It takes concentration and practice and a week or so to get down to 1 without making a mistake and then drifting off to consider what nonsense the mind is straying towards. The mind cannot deal with two thoughts at once, so the trick is to occupy it within a specific task. When you get down to 1, move on to the colours of the rainbow. red orange yellow green blue indigo and violet. Say 'red' in your mind and then imagine the colour red until you actually see red in your minds eye. It's difficult, so I 'see' the red post box, the 'orange' fruit and the 'yellow' banana etc. If you are still awake :o) then imagine yourself down a leafy glade, 'listen' to the little brook, 'watch' the dragonfly, and 'smell' the woods.

To my mind the maskers only serve to draw attention to the t and draw you into listening for the t to see if you can still hear it and then when you can hear it " Oh woe is me! I'm so sad and miserable. Why me? What is this affliction, what did I do to deserve this. Boo hoo!"

You are stronger than you think. You are capable of dealing with this. You can live a life as normal as you wish. Would you rather be stone deaf and miss everything? No music, no conversation, no inclusion in all that's around you. You are not a person without resolve. Shrug it off and be the person your loved ones look to.

:o)

DaveW

[carol71]

Thank you Dave much appreciated