The million dollar question patients with tinnitus have, is how to mask the sound of tinnitus. Sound therapy is an approach used to help tinnitus sufferers with their symptoms by producing external noises to mask the internal sounds of tinnitus.
For example, sound machines are a popular method of sound therapy that can produce white noise for tinnitus sound masking. In addition to white noise, they come with a variety of other sounds that can be set to the preferences of the user.
For this review, I conducted careful and extensive research to find the best sound machine for tinnitus, and also some great alternatives to consider, to help you find relief and be more at peace with your tinnitus symptoms.
What is Tinnitus?
Table of Contents
My Top Pick
My pick: Although it comes at a slightly higher price, my pick is the Sound+Sleep SE Special Edition High Fidelity Sleep Sound machine.
It includes a range of programmable settings that gives you the ability to customize your experience with the device, including 64 unique sound options, Adaptive Sound technology, and 4 sleep timer options.
Also great:
Another great option is the Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine. It offers 20 unique sounds combined with a portable and modern design.
This smaller device has multiple power options, offers internal sounds, and includes additional features like pink and white noise.
Budget pick:
If you are on a small budget, then the Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine is a good option for you. This device is portable, offers a variety of sounds, and comes with multiple customizations that prioritize your relaxation.
Best portable pick: The best option for anyone looking for a portable option that can be taken on travels is the SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine.
This is a high-quality option that is controlled by an app, making operating the device very easy and convenient.
Best budget, portable pick:
The PICTEK White Noise Machine is perfect for you if you want a device that is portable for traveling, office, and home use, while also being affordable at the same time.
The details
My pick: Sound+Sleep SE Special Edition High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine
The Sound+Sleep SE Special Edition High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine makes for an excellent tinnitus masker.
It offers 16 different sound categories (baby, rides, home, crowds, meditate, small fan, large fan, white noise, pink noise, brown noise, waterfalls, meadow, rainfall, ocean, brook, city) each with four variations to create a total of 64 unique sound options.
The volume on this sound machine can be set to automatically adjust accordingly to your specific environment using Adaptive Sound technology. Volume can also be manually adjusted.
The device can also be set to continuously loop sounds, or it can be set to a specific timer— which can be set to gradually reduce the volume after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
With this sound machine, the same sounds will not be continuously repeated. In addition to playing the built-in sounds, you are also able to enjoy your own music and plug in your headphones in order to relax with the sounds in your own privacy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with 64 built-in sounds | More expensive than other options |
| Adaptive volume and sound adjusts to the environment |
Not as portable as alternatives |
| Several sleep timer options to choose from |
Also great: Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine
The Adaptive Sound Technology LectroFan High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine is also a great tinnitus masker because it features a variety of sound types to choose from and comes with a series of settings that can make your experience with the portable device more convenient.
You can choose between 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient noises (including white, pink, or brown noise), depending on what feels more comfortable and provides the most relief for you.
You can also manually adjust the volume of this sound machine with more precise control in 1 decibel (dB) increments to sounds that are 10x louder or 10x quieter.
The product was designed to be portable and will fit onto your bedside table without disrupting the area or taking up too much space and comes at a more affordable price.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10 included fan sounds | Does not come with built-in Bluetooth technology |
| 10 ambient noise varieties to choose from |
No natural fans built into the device |
| Precise volume control to 10x louder or 10x quieter volume |
Included cord is only 12 inches in length |
Budget pick: Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine
The Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine is a budget-friendly option that costs less than $20 and comes with a variety of features to help you reduce the impact that tinnitus symptoms may have on you while sleeping, studying, or even while working.
The device features six different natural sounds and can be set to loop the sounds automatically, or rather to a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timer so that the device automatically shuts off after a specific period of time.
The device also gives you the ability to set the volume to a setting that suits you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sounds have been selected to be soothing and sound natural |
A limited number of sounds to choose from |
| Very affordable option | Sleep timer options limited to three choices |
| Effectively masks background noises and sounds |
SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine
The SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine comes in two great colors and is extremely portable, making it not only the perfect bedside component but also an excellent option to take with you on business trips or a holiday out of town.
The device is unique in that it has a real fan inside. It has ten built-in sound settings, and the tone can also be adjusted to produce just a light fan sound up to a deep fan drone (eg, an airplane cabin).
It can adjust the baseline volume of sounds to minimize any disturbances.
Sounds are non-looping but can also be set on a timer using the accompanying app, which allows you to control the device by simply using your smartphone easily.
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable enough to take with you on travels |
A limited number of noises to choose from |
| Has a real, built-in fan | No headphone jack available |
| Adjustable volume and tones | More expensive than some alternatives |
Best budget, portable pick: PICTEK White Noise Machine
The PICTEK White Noise Machine combines portability with convenience by introducing you to a device that produces naturally-sounding white noise by using a real fan with a unique blade design.
You can set the volume to an option up to 85 dB, depending on what suits you best.
The product can be set to continue producing white noise, or the timer option can be used to ensure the fans turn off after 30 or 60 minutes.
The noise machine is good for various purposes, including sleeping better when tinnitus is keeping you awake at night.
| Pros | Cons |
| Asymmetric blade design for naturally produced white noise | Somewhat large considering this is a portable option |
| Built-in auto timer | AC powered; does not run on batteries |
| Volume can be adjusted | Some report the fan speed starts to vary and change volume involuntarily after short-term use |
Best sound machine for tinnitus Closing points
It can be difficult to find the ideal sound machine for tinnitus symptom relief with all of the tinnitus masking options available on the market.
After extensive research, I consider the best white noise machine for tinnitus to be the Sound+Sleep SE Special Edition White Noise Machine.
However, those who are on a tight budget may want to consider the Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine instead.
Best Headphones for Tinnitus Sufferers : Bone Conduction Headphones
