Notched Noise Therapy for Suppression of Tinnitus

Notched Noise Therapy involves presenting wide-band sound with the tinnitus frequency region notched out, referred to as notched noise, or notch therapy. This procedure may distribute lateral inhibition into the notched frequency region, suppressing tinnitus neural activity believed to be occurring there. This type of therapy is provided through a sound file that is streamed through hearing aids.

"Broadband Noise, or white noise, is a common tinnitus sound therapy treatment option. It is also commonly used as a masker noise for individuals with tinnitus that like to enrich their environment with sound."

A-O groups will use ear-level, self-contained devices (hearing aids) that (1) are capable of streaming shapeable broadband noise between 1-10 kHz; (2) allow for normal conversation; and (3) are comfortable, easy to use, and discrete. These criteria describe a behind-the-ear hearing aid with the capability of streaming custom sounds. Hearing aids are used to provide amplification to those with hearing loss and are fit by licensed audiologists. Sometimes, hearing aids can provide benefit to those with bothersome tinnitus.