Sound library
20 masking sounds, playable right here
Tap a sound to start it — it loops for as long as you leave it running, up to a 12-hour sleep timer. Every one is synthesized live in your browser — nothing is downloaded and nothing streams.
Looking for something more targeted than general masking? Try the pitch match & notched sound tool — it finds your tinnitus's exact frequency and generates a sound built around it.
What is sound therapy for tinnitus?
Sound therapy uses background sound — not to cover up tinnitus completely, but to reduce the contrast between silence and the tinnitus itself. In a fully quiet room, tinnitus tends to stand out more; a lower level of background sound gives the brain something else to process, which many people find makes tinnitus less intrusive, especially for sleep and focus.
Does background sound actually help, or just distract?
Both, depending on how it's used. Some approaches (like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy) use low-level sound specifically to help the brain gradually reclassify tinnitus as unimportant background information, over months — not an instant fix. Simpler masking, used in the moment, works more directly: it's harder to focus on tinnitus when there's other sound to attend to. Neither approach is a cure — tinnitus itself doesn't change — but both have real evidence for reducing how disruptive it feels day to day.
White, pink, and brown noise — what's actually different
- White noise: equal energy at every frequency — the brightest, most hissing of the three, like TV static
- Pink noise: reduced energy at higher frequencies — softer, closer to steady rainfall
- Brown noise: energy concentrated in the low end — deep, rumbling, closer to distant surf or a low mechanical hum
There's no single "correct" choice — which one helps most is genuinely individual, tied to your specific tinnitus pitch and personal preference. Full frequency comparison and how to choose →
How loud should the sound be?
Generally, at or just below the volume of your tinnitus — not loud enough to fully drown it out. Sound set too loud can add its own strain, especially over hours of use; the goal is reducing contrast, not winning a volume contest with your own ears.
Best used for
Sleep, focus/work, and moments of high stress or flare-ups are when background sound tends to help most — situations where a quiet room would otherwise make tinnitus the most noticeable thing in the room.
This library specifically
20 free sounds, playable directly in your browser — no account, no download, no time limit. Includes generated white/pink/brown noise plus nature sounds. Choose one, adjust volume, and it keeps playing even as you browse the rest of the site. For the fuller picture on the evidence behind sound therapy, see sound therapy for tinnitus: what the evidence shows.
FAQ
Does sound therapy cure tinnitus?
No — it manages how disruptive tinnitus feels, it doesn't reduce or eliminate the tinnitus itself. See the article on whether tinnitus can be cured for the fuller honest picture.
Which sound is best for tinnitus?
There's no universal answer — it depends on your specific tinnitus pitch and preference. White noise is the most common starting point; many people find brown or pink noise less fatiguing for extended listening.
Is it safe to fall asleep with sound playing all night?
Generally yes, at a moderate volume — this is one of the most common uses of sound therapy. Avoid very loud volumes overnight, and headphones aren't necessary or recommended for all-night use (a speaker in the room is generally safer and more comfortable).
Can I use this while at work or studying?
Yes — many people use lower-level background sound specifically for focus, separate from its use for tinnitus.
- NIDCD — Tinnitus Fact Sheet (NIH). NIDCD
- Pink Noise for Sleep: Benefits and How It Works. Sleep Foundation