Pausing/Stopping White Noise Abruptly — Tinnitus Gets Louder

Has it occurred to anyone that once you pause or stop the white noise abruptly, the Tinnitus get louder or at least more annoying and noticeable?

I also have mild Hyperacusis, maybe that's why I have this phenomenon?

 

How long does this last for you? I noticed it too, but it doesn't seem to last too long.

 

That happens to me as well. That is why I don't Listen to white noise on YouTube... I have a machine instead that produces a very mild white noise sound like a fridge and it works for me...

 

Are you guys playing white noise through in ear monitors to block out your tinnitus?

 

It’s probably because being broadband noise it is stimulating your auditory system across a range of frequencies at once. Therefore once you stop it, it takes certain haircells and/or nerves a while to calm down.

Or maybe it’s to do with attention diversion. Once it’s off you concentrate more on your T again.

 

Yes!! This happens to me all the time

 

I notice how loud my sound is when I remove my hearing aids with built in maskers .
love glynis

 

NO i play it on youtube on my phone and computer. I do not use in ear maskers. Maybe i will get them in the future.

 

Are there any long -term negative effects of in -ear maskers? just curious

 

I have been using white noise generators for over 20 years and they are very helpful and noticed not adverse effects. They must be used correctly and ideally, a person should be examined for suitability by a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist. Two should be worn to keep the auditory system in balance. The volume of the white noise should be kept slightly below the level of the tinnitus. There must be no attempt to mask or cover-up the tinnitus so it can't be heard. Doing this can irritate the auditory system and make the tinnitus more intrusive.

Similarly, playing white noise through headphones or earbuds is "crude" in my opinion and can irritate the auditory system, making the tinnitus worse if one isn't careful.

Michael

 

@Michael Leigh
I was curious to know (and I don't do this anymore, but did for a while) when you say that wearing a masker in one ear can irritate the auditory system and make the tinnitus more intrusive, does this mean the 'perception' of the loudness level of the tinnitus or it causes an actual increase in tinnitus volume?

 

HI @Samantha R

Please read my post again. Wearing one masker/white noise generator will not make tinnitus more intrusive. Although there is nothing wrong with wearing just one white noise generator, it is advisable to wear two so the auditory system is kept in balance, even if the tinnitus is in one ear.

Hope this helps.
All the best
Michael

 

@Michael Leigh
Yes, it helps. I have interpreted your post incorrectly, but it does help.
I used to wear one only sometimes, but don't use them at all anymore.
thanks,
Samantha.