Question 1

What is tinnitus?

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It's commonly described as ringing in the ears, but can also sound like buzzing, hissing, whooshing, or humming. Tinnitus affects approximately 15-20% of people and is especially common in older adults. While there's no medical cure, sound therapy and habituation programs can significantly reduce its impact.

Question 2

What causes tinnitus?

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockage, ear bone changes, or underlying conditions like Meniere's disease. Stress, anxiety, and certain medications can also trigger or worsen tinnitus. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown, but effective treatments exist regardless of the cause.

Question 3

Can tinnitus be cured?

Accepted Answer

While there's currently no medical cure for most types of tinnitus, it can be effectively managed. Sound therapy and habituation training help 74-84% of people significantly reduce their tinnitus distress. Many people report their tinnitus 'fading into the background' after consistent treatment, even though the sound may technically still be present.

Question 4

How to stop tinnitus immediately?

Accepted Answer

While tinnitus can't be stopped instantly, you can get immediate relief by masking the sound with external audio like white noise, nature sounds, or soft music. The StillWell app provides 84+ therapeutic sounds designed specifically for tinnitus relief. For long-term improvement, consistent daily sound therapy over 8-12 weeks trains your brain to filter out the tinnitus signal.

Question 5

How to stop ringing in ears?

Accepted Answer

To reduce ringing in your ears, try sound therapy with white noise, pink noise, or nature sounds. Avoid silence, which makes tinnitus more noticeable. The most effective long-term approach is habituation therapy—a structured program that trains your brain to ignore the ringing. StillWell's 12-week program guides you through this process with personalised sounds matched to your specific tinnitus.

Question 6

What is tinnitus retraining therapy?

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a clinical approach that combines sound therapy with counselling to help your brain reclassify tinnitus as a neutral signal. StillWell is based on the same habituation principles as TRT, offering a structured 12-week program with therapeutic sounds and educational content to help your brain learn to filter out tinnitus naturally.

Question 7

What sounds help with tinnitus?

Accepted Answer

Different sounds work for different types of tinnitus. StillWell offers 84+ therapeutic sounds across 9 categories including noise colours (white, pink, brown noise), nature sounds, binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, ACRN therapy tones, and sleep blends. The app matches sounds to your specific tinnitus type for maximum relief.

Question 8

Is sound therapy for tinnitus scientifically proven?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sound therapy for tinnitus is supported by peer-reviewed research. Cochrane systematic reviews and VA/DoD clinical practice guidelines show that structured sound therapy programs achieve 74-84% improvement rates in tinnitus distress when followed consistently over 8-12 weeks.

Question 9

Can tinnitus go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Temporary tinnitus from loud noise exposure often fades within hours or days. However, chronic tinnitus lasting more than 3 months rarely disappears completely on its own. The good news is that with proper treatment like sound therapy and habituation training, most people experience significant improvement—many report barely noticing their tinnitus after completing a structured program.

Question 10

Is StillWell free to download?

Accepted Answer

StillWell is free to download and includes access to Week 1 of The StillWell Program. A premium subscription unlocks all 12 weeks, the full sound library of 84+ sounds, and advanced features like progress tracking and personalised recommendations.

Tinnitus Articles & Guides

White Noise vs Pink Noise vs Brown Noise: Which Is Best for Tinnitus?

What Is Tinnitus? Symptoms, Types & What You Need to Know

Tinnitus Causes & Symptoms: Understanding Your Condition

How to Stop Tinnitus: Effective Relief Strategies

Can Tinnitus Be Cured? Treatment Options Explained

Understanding Habituation: Training Your Brain for Relief

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