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The Best Tinnitus Sound Machines Reviews for Sleeping

Candace Osmond

Getting used to sleeping with sound machines isn’t too difficult for most people. While some people claim that this might be an addictive habit, it’s not exactly the wrong type of addiction, since sound machines are portable and you don’t really have to get used to sleeping without one. However, aside from being useful for falling and staying asleep, sound machines can also help with a few medical conditions. One of them is tinnitus. But what does it mean, how does it manifest itself, and can a sound machine really help soothe its negative effects? The quickest definition of tinnitus is ringing in the ears. People who suffer from tinnitus describe hearing sounds that don’t have an external source.

Some devices are designed specifically for tinnitus use, while others are just good sound machines that are efficient enough to masks these internal sounds, but also other types of noises. We know that tinnitus, while harmless, can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating to live with, so we were on a mission to discover some of the top-rated sound machines that actually help with your tinnitus-related problems.

1. Sonorest Sleep Tones – Editor's Choice

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  • Height: 4”
  • Noises: Pink, White & Brown
  • Power Source: USB power input, 4 AAA batteries
  • Portable: Yes

2. Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine

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  • Dimensions: 4 x 4.4 x 2.6 inches
  • Weight: 5.9 ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 6
  • Battery Power: Yes
  • Power Source: AC Adaptor (included) or 3 x AA batteries

3. LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine

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  • Dimensions: 4.4 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: No
  • Power Source: 110V AC or USB

4. Cloud b Sound Machine

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  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 5.1 inches
  • Weight: 12.8 ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 4
  • Battery Power: Yes

5. Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound+Sleep Machine

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  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 30
  • Battery Power: No

6. Mesqool Sound Machine

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  • Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.9 x 1.7 inches
  • Weight: 11.36 Ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 24
  • Battery Power: yes

7. Magicteam White Noise Machine

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  • Dimensions: 2.64 x 2.64 x 2.83 inches
  • Weight: 0.36 Pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: no

8. Sound Oasis® Bluetooth® Tinnitus Sound Therapy System®

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  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.25 x 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 Pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: yes

1. Sonorest Sleep Tones – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Height: 4”
  • Noises: Pink, White & Brown
  • Power Source: USB power input, 4 AAA batteries
  • Portable: Yes

Pros

  • Good value
  • 3 different noises to choose from
  • Portable
  • Backed with research
  • USB powered, batteries as backup
  • Customizable
  • Creates background noise

Cons

  • Results may vary from person to person depending on the severity of tinnitus

It can be hard to sleep at night when you have constant sound in your ears, and we recommend the Sononest Sleep Tones to aid with this issue. It’s a noise machine that has 3 different types of sounds, and you can control the volume to your liking. It’s been tested with many customers who report that it works wonderfully, but results will always vary from person to person.

The Sononest runs on either AAA batteries or a USB power cord. It’s 4” tall, which means it’s easily portable to take with you on the go. If you need to take it with you when travelling, you’ll be able to fit the machine in your luggage. The machine can also be used for background noise if you need white noise to help concentrate on things during the day. For example, if you’re studying, the machine can help block out other background noises so that you can concentrate much more easily.

2. Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 4 x 4.4 x 2.6 inches
  • Weight: 5.9 ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 6
  • Battery Power: Yes
  • Power Source: AC Adaptor (included) or 3 x AA batteries

Pros

  • Powered by AC adapter and batteries
  • Great for travel
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Great starter item
  • Convenient price

Cons

  • Not a lot of sound options

The Big Red Rooster isn’t big, it’s not red and it’s definitely not a rooster. But it is a sound machine that can help tinnitus sufferers drown out some of that annoying ringing. You can choose between the six different sound options: summer night, rain, white noise, brook, thunder and ocean.

It was designed to be powered by the electrical adapter, but you can also fit in three AA batteries and enjoy the benefits it provides, even where you’re far from a power outlet. Because it’s small and lightweight, it can make a good travel companion, being portable enough for home-work-home transitions.

Once you turn it on, the device will continue to render the sound of your choice until it’s manually turned off. However, the device comes with its own integrated timer, allowing you to set up an automatic shutdown mode in 15, 30 or 60 minutes. This is a really useful feature for those of you looking to fall asleep to its sounds, but don’t want the unit to continue working until you wake up.

3. LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 4.4 x 4.4 x 2.2 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: No
  • Power Source: 110V AC or USB

Pros

  • Available in black and white
  • Timer function included
  • Ten fan sounds
  • Ten white noise pitches
  • Intuitive interface

Cons

  • No battery power
  • Distortion at loud volume levels

LectroFan is no stranger to making some of the best sound machines on the market, and this baby right here will prove just that. Compared to other options out there, the LectroFan provides its users with 20 different sound combinations, allowing them to shuffle between a wide array of white noises (varying from low to high pitches), plus a series of fan sounds.

Despite having all these options, the company has kept the interface of the device pretty simple, with just a few intuitive buttons that operate the sounds, volume and the integrated timer. While there are a few complaints of a distorted sound at high volumes, the LectroFan still stands as one of the best products of its kind, since you won’t have to use high volumes in the first place.

The LectroFan is the kind of product for everyone who wants a classic sound machine. The variety of sound settings, plus the timer and the integrated speaker make this a great device, and it stands up against most competitors. Customers that have tested the LectroFan are mostly pleased with what it has to offer.

4. Cloud b Sound Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 5.1 inches
  • Weight: 12.8 ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 4
  • Battery Power: Yes

Pros

  • Adorable design
  • Plush exterior doubles as a toy
  • Winner of several awards
  • Four soothing nature sounds
  • Battery operation
  • Velcro strap included
  • Built-in timer

Cons

  • Small parts pose a choking hazard for kids under the age of three

What could possibly be cuter than a baby sound machine that’s shaped like a plush sheep toy? This compact version of the original Sleep Sheep is a tiny device that can help babies who suffer from tinnitus find comfort in masking the noise that prevents them from falling asleep.

It integrates four different nature sounds: whale noises, spring showers, gentle streams and ocean waves. It’s the winner of several industry awards and has helped parents bring relief to their young ones with this innovative device and design.

As a sound machine, this baby sheep is very easy to operate. With the push of a button, both parents and children can select the sound of their choice and then pick the best output volume. Since it works on batteries, integrating a timer option is mandatory. The little gadget can be set to automatically shut down after 23 or 45 minutes of use. It comes with a built-in Velcro strap that allows a parent to attach it to their stroller or diaper bag, easily carrying it around wherever they go.

5. Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound+Sleep Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 30
  • Battery Power: No

Pros

  • Headphones jack included
  • 40 dynamic sound environments
  • Adaptive noise for room ambiance detection
  • Richness level for added sound elements
  • Integrated sleep timer

Cons

  • Not guaranteed to work as well after a year of use

The Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound+Sleep Machine gives you a wide variety of sounds to choose from, including white noise, meditation, brook, rainfall, city, train, meadow, ocean, fireplace and waterfall sound options.

The device also includes one button for switching the adaptive mode on and off, and one that allows you to alter the richness level of the sounds. As its name suggests, the adaptive mode is able to adapt to the noise level in your room. When the microphone integrated in the machine detects another sound, it enhances the richness of the sound that’s playing. With three different intensity levels, this machine will enhance the sound you’re listening to at that moment by adding more elements as you choose a higher richness. You might hear additional sea noises like seals or sea lions if the sound you’ve chosen is the ocean, and the same goes for any other category you might choose.

Your purchase will come with a headphone jack as well as an integrated sleep timer for added convenience, allowing you to tune out the world to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

6. Mesqool Sound Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.9 x 1.7 inches
  • Weight: 11.36 Ounces
  • Number of Sounds: 24
  • Battery Power: yes

Pros

  • 24 no-loop sounds
  • Dual power mode
  • Headphones jack included

Cons

  • Some sounds aren’t very natural

When it comes to the variety of features that a sound machine can have, this one is pretty impressive. You get 24 different nature sounds that don’t have repeating patterns. These include water streams, ocean noises, thunder, forest sounds, and white noise. The machine has a dual power source: you can plug it in but it also works with batteries.

Because it’s small, lightweight, and can function on batteries, this is a great tinnitus sound machine for people who are always traveling. If you don’t sleep alone and don’t want to bother anyone else, there is also a headphones jack. That means you could use it even in the library or the dorm room, whenever there are other distracting noises around you.

7. Magicteam White Noise Machine

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 2.64 x 2.64 x 2.83 inches
  • Weight: 0.36 Pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: no

Pros

  • Integrated timer
  • Memory functions
  • 32 volume levels

Cons

  • Some sounds do loop

Another clever and efficient noise machine is this one by Magicteam. Its small and lightweight construction makes it a rather portable device, one that won’t take up too much space in your luggage or on your nightstand. This electrically-powered unit features 20 no-looping sounds and 32 volume levels so you’re bound to find a combination you’re comfortable with.

It also features an integrated timer so if you like to fall asleep with this machine on, it will automatically turn off after a while. The memory function will remember the last settings, including time, sound, and volume of choice.

8. Sound Oasis® Bluetooth® Tinnitus Sound Therapy System®

Highlights

  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.25 x 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 0.5 Pounds
  • Number of Sounds: 20
  • Battery Power: yes

Pros

  • Included microSD card
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Compact and lightweight

Cons

  • Poor button layout

Sound therapy is an excellent source of relief for tinnitus, particularly when done before going to bed. This device features a collection of sounds that have been suggested by audiologists from all around the world. Together, these sounds produce a calming backdrop that helps your brain focus on noises that are pleasant and calming, rather than on the annoyance that is your tinnitus.

Thanks to the integration of Bluetooth technology, you can also listen to your favorite tunes by using the sound machine as a speaker. This battery-powered unit comes with a recharging USB cable which should provide you with about 4 hours of use on a single charge.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a sign of a more serious disease, and it’s mostly something that bothers people without any other health impacts. However, similar to vertigo, when tinnitus becomes too intense it can affect a person’s quality of life.

About 20 percent of people who’ve ever experienced this syndrome have claimed that the sound is so disturbing, it can cause them to lose concentration while completing daily tasks. Typically, tinnitus is a condition which can be improved with medical treatment, but it’s also a symptom of a potential ear injury or age-related hearing loss.

Symptoms & Causes

Even though it’s described as ringing in the ears, tinnitus can take on many forms: buzzing, humming, hissing and even roaring for some. For every person, the sound heard will be slightly different in intensity and pitch. Tinnitus can be experienced in brief episodes, but can also be constant over long periods of time.

Typically, tinnitus is classified as being either subjective or objective. The former is only heard by the person who suffers from it, and it’s the most common out of the two types. On the other hand, objective tinnitus can also be heard by the doctor as they perform the examination. It can often be a sign of blood vessel problems or muscle contractions.

As far as causes are concerned, it’s very difficult for the doctor to pinpoint the exact nature of the sound. There are different health conditions that can lead to intense tinnitus, such as inner ear hair cell damage. The human ear contains a number of tiny hairs that move in tandem with sound wave pressure.

As a result, cells will emit an electrical signal that the brain perceives as being sound. Actually, it’s the movement, bending or breaking of these hairs that trigger tinnitus. Of course, it can also be caused by several other health issues, like nerve injuries, hearing impairment or other ear-related problems. Some causes for tinnitus, both common and uncommon, are:

  • Hearing loss that comes naturally with age. It’s a well-known fact that some seniors may have trouble hearing as well as they did when they were younger. It’s a normal part of the aging process, and it’s also something that can cause tinnitus.
  • Tinnitus can also be caused by short or long-term exposure to loud noises. Everything from heavy equipment to attending a loud rock concert can trigger that “ringing” sound.
  • Earwax blockage is when the wax that protects the human ear is present in larger amounts. As it’s difficult to wash away, a person with earwax blockage can experience hearing loss, but it’s also a cause for irritated eardrums, both of these leading to tinnitus.
  • The muscles that are present inside the inner ear can sometimes produce spasms, which can be unexplained or can be symptoms of neurological diseases. When these spasms occur, you may feel fullness in the ear, as well as difficulty in hearing, all with the potential to lead to tinnitus.
  • High blood pressure could be another potential cause.
  • There are also different kinds of medication that can worsen this symptom. Some of these include antibiotics, certain antidepressants or aspirin.

Tinnitus & Sound Therapy

Have you ever put your headphones on and started listening to your favorite tunes, just because you wanted to mask some unwanted noise (dogs barking, roommate singing, people talking on the subway, drills, hammers heard from upstairs)? Did it work? Now, picture the efficiency of trying to mask that tinnitus ring with other sounds that can suppress it.

Sound therapy broadly refers to the use of external noises to trigger a reaction or alter a patient’s perception. Sound therapies aren’t a cure for tinnitus, but provide a soothing way of dealing with this condition. There are four mechanisms that lie at the base of sound therapies:

  • Masking is a mechanism that subjects the patient to loud external noise, with the purpose of covering the inner ringing caused by tinnitus.
  • Distraction is another process that uses external sounds to draw the patient’s attention away from tinnitus, and redirect it towards the other sound.
  • Habituation basically implies “training” the patient’s brain into identifying tinnitus as background noise that can be ignored whenever present.
  • Neuromodulation uses specific types of sounds to reduce neural hyperactivity, which can be a potential tinnitus cause.

Conclusion

Although tinnitus is in no way a life-threatening condition, it can be frustrating up to a point where you’re having a hard time focusing on anything other than that annoying sound. When you’re looking to buy a device to mask tinnitus, make sure to invest in a product that’s lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever needed.

While sound machines are designed to block noises that prevent people from sleeping (or cause them to wake up), a sound machine for tinnitus is not limited to bedroom use, especially since this isn’t a nighttime condition. One must be prepared for a tinnitus episode at all times, so portability is definitely important. But finding the best sound machine for your tinnitus problem could often be a matter of experimenting with different sounds. In other words, don’t get discouraged if the first machine you buy doesn’t seem to do the trick.

Recent Updates

September 20, 2021: A new product has been added to our roundup as another popular, top-rated option: the Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound+Sleep Machine. A FAQ section has also been included to address popular customer queries.