If you suffer from tinnitus – that beep, hiss or hum in your ear – you know how frustrating it can be. It’s always there. Sometimes soft, sometimes overwhelming. And the worst part? To some it sounds like a high-pitched beep, to others like a whistling kettle, noise or even an engine idling. No tinnitus is the same, and so there is no universal solution that works for everyone.
But there are things that can help. One is sound masking: using external sounds to soften or camouflage tinnitus. And that’s where our Spotify playlist comes in. We’ve compiled a list of 100 songs, carefully chosen to help with tinnitus masking as well as neuromodulation. Because yes, you can also train your brain to deal with tinnitus differently.
Wondering what to expect? Read on – and soon listen for yourself.
Why sound works for tinnitus
Your brain is always trying to sort out what you hear. With tinnitus, there is no external sound source, but your brain interprets sound – in other words, a processing error. That makes it difficult, because it is not a “real” sound that you can turn off for a moment.
What sometimes helps is giving that brain something else to focus on. Sound masking does just that: it distracts your attention from the tinnitus. In some cases, prolonged exposure to certain sounds actually causes the brain to register the tinnitus less. That’s what we call neuromodulation.
No beep is the same
And that’s immediately the challenge. Where some benefit from quiet sounds of nature, noise drives others crazy. Some swear by classical music or lo-fi beats, others by ASMR or binaural frequencies.
That’s why we’ve put together a very diverse playlist – so you can discover what suits you. Think of it as a menu for your ears.
What’s in the playlist?
Our “Tinnitus Masking and Neuromodulation” Spotify playlist contains 100 tracks, including:
White noise & pink noise
Constant noise that extends over multiple frequencies. White noise sounds like a waterfall or static noise, pink noise is slightly softer and more pleasant for many people. Both are popular with people who suffer from tinnitus at night.
Nature Sounds
Rain on a roof, the rustling of leaves, a babbling brook or waves by the sea. These sounds mimic a natural, constant background that can help “squelch” your tinnitus without disturbing it.
ASMR clips
Not everyone likes it, but for some, ASMR (soft whispers, taps, crackling sounds) is almost hypnotic. ASMR is soothing and can dampen the overstimulation of tinnitus, especially for stress-related symptoms.
Low and high frequencies
Some tracks in the playlist contain sounds between 5 and 16 kHz – the frequency range in which many tinnitus occur. By supplementing precisely those frequencies with pleasant tones, you can create a kind of “counter sound” that neutralizes or softens the squeak. This is similar to the tinnitus relief feature offered by some games (such as F1 25).
Music with constant rhythms
Music without big peaks or tempo changes – such as ambient, lo-fi or minimal techno – helps put your brain into a calmer rhythm. Useful for neuromodulation, as it gives your brain less room for the tinnitus to come to the fore.
Soothing melodies and classical pieces
Some songs are just there to calm you down. And that’s important, because tinnitus and stress are each other’s greatest allies. The more stressed you are, the louder the beep often seems.
Neuromodulation: what is it?
Neuromodulation sounds complicated, but the idea is simple: retrain your brain so that it finds the tinnitus less distracting or even learns to ignore it.
Sound neuromodulation works through:
- Providing your hearing with specific frequencies that act on the tinnitus frequency
- Diverting the brain from tinnitus
- Re-‘reprogramming’ the auditory cortex so that focus shifts
The great thing is: you don’t have to buy expensive equipment. Listening to the right sounds – at the right times – can already contribute to that process.
When can you use the playlist?
There is no set rule. It revolves around your situation and preference. But many people use it:
- While working – to mask the squeak and concentrate better
- Before sleeping – to fall asleep more peacefully
- During moments of stress – when the tinnitus worsens
- In quiet rooms – where the beep is otherwise too noticeable
- As background sound when reading or relaxing
Tip: Use a bluetooth speaker or good headphones, but don’t set the volume too high. You want to mute your tinnitus, not drown it out.
The Spotify playlist
Have you become curious? Try it out and who knows, you might find the perfect track to relieve your tinnitus.
And does it work?
It varies from person to person. Some people notice relief immediately, others only after a longer time. But the great thing is: you can experiment in a safe, relaxed way. No side effects, no risk. Just your ears, your brain, and some sound.
We do advise: if you have severe or sudden tinnitus, always see your doctor or an audiologist. Masking and neuromodulation can help, but they do not replace medical advice.
In conclusion
Tinnitus can affect your life quite a bit. But you don’t have to resign yourself to it. Sound – in the right form – can be a powerful ally. Our Spotify playlist is an invitation to discover what helps you: a little noise, a quiet tune, a counter-sound, or just something that takes your brain away from the beep for a while.
Curious? Search on Spotify for “Tinnitus Masking and Neuromodulation” and give your ears what they deserve. Rest. Attention. And maybe a little silence – your way.
Want to know more about tinnitus, hearing protection or smart tools like white noise generators? We’d love to think with you. Because even with a squeak, you deserve a nice sound world.
