Everything you need to know…

TINNISOOTHE

We hope that the following FAQs will help answer your questions about how TinniSoothe could help you, as well as how to get the best results in using it.

watch our explainer video here

OUR MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

  • It’s simple, but clever. TinniSoothe is a tiny module, worn on a lanyard around your neck. It can also be attached to your clothing. The module produces gentle, highly configurable white noise from a small speaker at the top, directed towards your ears. There’s no need for anything in or around your ears, so it’s very discreet.

    At night, you take the module off and place it in a docking cradle, next to your bed. This initiates your night-time sounds and recharges the battery. This way, you’ll have a 24/7 “constant companion” to take the edge off your tinnitus. Because the device is always with you, but not visible, you’re less likely to think about your tinnitus. Especially when moving from noisy to quiet environments.
    So you can forget about your tinnitus and habituate faster.

  • It’s unlikely anyone else will notice. Firstly, they can’t see the device which reduces awareness. Secondly, the subtle sound is channelled towards the user’s ears. And finally, most users only need low to moderate volume, which isn’t noticeable to others. In trials, most users found that friends, family and colleagues didn’t hear the device at all, unless they pointed it out. And if they did, it didn’t bother them.

  • TinniSoothe has been designed to fit with your busy life and to provide a continuous source of white noise. It’s always there when you need it, day and night and at a consistent distance from your ears to facilitate habituation. There’s no messing around switching phone apps on and off, or wearing earphones while you work or play. This all just reminds you of your tinnitus. TinniSoothe is your constant companion for tinnitus relief. You put it on in the morning and dock it at night. That’s it.

  • Tinnitus is a complex condition, and there is no known cure. TinniSoothe was designed to provide relief to sufferers, reducing the impact of tinnitus on their daily lives. The device aims to soothe tinnitus on a day-to-day basis, and facilitate the process of habituation over time.

    In the words of one TinniSoothe trial participant: "Tinnitus can become a spiral. The more you think about it, the more you think about it. TinniSoothe helps me not to notice my tinnitus and breaks that spiral. It has definitely cut down the frequency of those 'thinking about it' periods." While TinniSoothe won’t cure your tinnitus, it can deliver valuable relief and reduce the distress caused by this condition.

  • Yes, it has been reviewed by Tinnitus UK's expert panel, known as the Scientific Advisory Board.

    You can read their full review on Safety and Efficacy at https://tinnitus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/TinniSoothe-September-2024.pdf

    We understand that there are many tinnitus scams on the market, so here are some more ways you can check that we are an authentic British company:

    Regulatory certification as a Class 1 medical device:

    UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Reference number #26491: https://pard.mhra.gov.uk/manufacturer-search/tinnisoothe

    Companies House record:

    UK Government Companies House information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13369186

    Social media:

    • Instagram: @tinnisootheofficial

    • FaceBook: tinnisoothe

    • LinkedIn: @tinnisoothe

OTHER FAQ’S…

  • TinniSoothe is a compact wearable white noise device, carefully designed to provide relief for tinnitus. The TinniSoothe module can be worn around the neck on a lanyard, like a necklace, or clipped onto your clothing. With TinniSoothe, you have the flexibility to adjust both the volume and frequency settings to suit your specific tinnitus symptoms. By wearing it throughout the day, the device ensures that a subtle background noise is consistently present. This technique, known as sound therapy or sound enrichment, aims to make your tinnitus less noticeable, especially when transitioning from noisy environments to quiet ones. At night, you place the module into the docking cradle, to initiate night-time settings and battery recharging mode.

  • Sound therapy involves using soothing sounds to reduce the perception of tinnitus, a condition commonly marked by ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ears. The principle behind sound therapy is that the brain can only concentrate on one stimulus at a time. Therefore, introducing external sounds can provide immediate relief from tinnitus or enhance your ability to concentrate. TinniSoothe delivers a gentle white noise to your immediate vicinity, serving the dual purpose of offering short-term relief from tinnitus and aiding longer-term habituation (getting accustomed to the condition).

  • Tinnitus is often subjective and so it can be different for everybody. Therefore, we do not claim that TinniSoothe will help everyone. However, if you already find that listening to white noise / ambient sound provides some relief, we are confident that TinniSoothe will help you to find an even better way to manage tinnitus and enhance your lifestyle.

    View our table of suitability here

  • TinniSoothe offers practical, discreet, and convenient relief for tinnitus. Its primary function is to provide a distraction from the discomfort caused by tinnitus - usually ringing, whistling or buzzing in one or both ears. One of our trialists described it as follows: "the device is effortless to use and really does the job of ‘taking the edge off,’ which, for a tinnitus sufferer, means a huge amount." In addition to on-the-spot relief when you require it, TinniSoothe can also assist you in the long-term process of habituation, which involves getting accustomed to your tinnitus over time.

  • TinniSoothe is a British company which was started by a tinnitus sufferer. The founder, Howard Presland, had the sole intent of bringing to market a more practical way to help tinnitus sufferers who find relief from white noise / ambient sound. Howard has suffered from tinnitus for 10 years, ever since a band rehearsal left him with ringing in both ears. He tried everything to find relief - hearing aids, dietary supplements, acupuncture, CBT, hypnosis, even injections through his eardrums - but nothing worked. The only thing that soothed his tinnitus was the use of white noise and ambient sound. Howard then set about inventing a small, wearable white noise device that could provide continuous 24/7 tinnitus relief, without the need to have anything in your ears.

  • Continuous Relief: TinniSoothe is designed to provide continuous relief for tinnitus sufferers. You can wear it like a necklace, ensuring that you never have to experience silence, a common trigger for tinnitus discomfort. This device serves as a constant companion, delivering subtle white noise throughout the day. Its discreet design means those around you won't even notice it, allowing you to regain control over your life. Unlike other solutions that may not be practical for all-day wear or require inserting something into or around your ears, TinniSoothe offers versatility. It can be worn in various situations, from business meetings to outdoor activities, and even at night, where it can be placed in the docking cradle for night-time settings, providing genuine 24/7 relief.

    Configurability: Over five years of engineering have gone into the product, allowing users to finely tune the white noise output, adjusting both volume and frequency to deliver the perfect level of tinnitus relief. Unlike cheaper alternatives with limited settings for the white noise, TinniSoothe offers a wide range of options. With 60 volume increments and 40 frequency increments, this device offers a remarkable 2,400 permutations to help you find the precise settings that best mask to soothe your tinnitus. Such a level of configurability is unmatched, especially in a device of this size.

    Convenience: TinniSoothe is the epitome of convenience. It's the only solution that is both portable and wearable without requiring anything to be placed in or around your ears. Measuring just 59mm (2 1⁄2 inches) and weighing only 16 grams (half an ounce), TinniSoothe is designed to be discreet and easily forgettable, ensuring that neither you nor those around you are bothered by it. With a battery life of at least more than 48 hours, you can take it away for the weekend without worrying about the battery running out or your tinnitus relief being taken away from you. This level of practicality and convenience sets TinniSoothe apart from other, less versatile solutions available on the market.

    The combination of these 3 key differentiators makes TinniSoothe truly unique.

  • TinniSoothe is made in Britain, with manufacturing and assembly taking place across various sites including Oxford, Basildon and Windsor.

  • At just 59mm (2 1⁄2 inches) and 16 grams (half an ounce), the module has been designed to be both lightweight and discreet, allowing you to just get on with your day without any bother.

  • Yes, it is certified as a Class 1 medical device in both the UK and the European Union. The MHRA is responsible for regulating the UK medical devices market, and the EMA does the same in the EU. Since it is a non-invasive device which does not enter the body, TinniSoothe is registered as a Class 1 device. This is the lowest-risk class of medical device.

  • We understand that there are many tinnitus scams on the market and that this can be both frustrating and harmful to sufferers who are simply trying to live with the condition or find relief. It is important to note that TinniSoothe is not a cure and we will never position it as such. TinniSoothe has been created for sufferers who find relief through white noise, to provide practical relief from the condition and to facilitate habituation.

    Naturally there can be scepticism whenever a new product appears. We hope that our website provides plenty of information about us, but here is some more:

    Tinnitus UK Website:

    https://tinnitus.org.uk/join-the-cause/businesses-and-organisations/join-our-membership

    UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: https://pard.mhra.gov.uk/manufacturer-search/tinnisoothe

    UK Government Companies House information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13369186

    People who are mentioned on our website (LinkedIn profiles):

    • Founder: Howard Presland https://uk.linkedin.com/in/howard-presland-050a893

    • Co-founder: Jez Lawson https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lawsonjeremy

    • Consultant audiologist: Selma Becker-Parker https://uk.linkedin.com/in/selma-becker-parker-6843a742

    Trialists Quoted (LinkedIn profiles):

    • Tim Banks, GBRacing: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tim-banks-

    • Paul Veitch, Drummer: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-veitch-6a753414

    • Misha Stanford-Harris: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/misha-stanford-harris-b26aa915

    • Katy Waterman, Audiologist and RHAD: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/katy-waterman-11477665

    Social media:

    • Instagram: @tinnisootheofficial

    • FaceBook: tinnisoothe

    • LinkedIn: @tinnisoothe

USING TINNISOOTHE

  • TinniSoothe offers an impressive degree of customisation with a total of 2,400 micro permutations available to cater to the unique needs of each user. This level of configurability is achieved through 60 volume increments and 40 frequency settings, all finely adjustable. The device's design ensures that most users can easily find their ideal setting without the need for professional audiologist assistance.

  • To select the most suitable setting for your tinnitus, clinical experts suggest the following steps:

    1. Start Just Below Your Tinnitus Level
      Begin by setting the volume of the device just below the intensity of your tinnitus. The idea is to not completely mask your tinnitus but to provide a subtle distraction and therefore relief. This allows your brain to focus on the device's sound therapy instead of your tinnitus ringing, whistling or buzzing.

    2. Adjust the Frequency
      Next, adjust the frequency setting until you find a level that feels soothing or distracting from your tinnitus symptoms. 


    3. Trial and Error
      You may need to experiment with different frequency settings during the initial days to discover what works best for you and your tinnitus. However, making minor adjustments is straightforward, and you can do it even while on the move.

    By following these guidelines to fine-tune your TinniSoothe settings, you can find the optimal configuration that provides relief and helps you manage your tinnitus effectively in the long term.

  • The subtle sound from the module is directed up towards the user’s ears. Most users typically require only a low to moderate volume, which doesn’t bother people around them. In trials, most users found that other people didn’t hear the device and weren’t conscious of the subtle sound. The vast majority of our trialists reported that friends, work colleagues and family did not notice the sound at all, including at night.

  • The aim of sound therapy is not to drown out the tinnitus but to provide constant, non-intrusive tinnitus relief by delivering an alternative sound for the brain to focus on. Whilst it may be tempting to occasionally “mask” the tinnitus if it gets really bad, the aim of the device is to distract you from your tinnitus and lessen the attention paid to it. This will be more beneficial over the longer term and enable you to habituate (get used to) to tinnitus.

  • Sound therapy is considered a proven and safe way to achieve relief from your tinnitus symptoms. As such, you can wear the device as little or as much as you want, but keeping it switched on is likely to yield better results. The less you turn it on and off, the less you will be conscious of your tinnitus when you move from noisy to quiet environments.

  • It’s important to remember that there is currently no cure for tinnitus. However, using TinniSoothe is a proven way to achieve relief of tinnitus symptoms. Given that tinnitus is an incredibly complex and subjective problem, the immediacy of relief can vary from user to user. However, most of our trialists found immediate relief from their tinnitus, by using TinniSoothe, on their journey towards longer-term habituation. It can also depend on whether or not the user is having other treatment alongside, such as CBT or mindfulness. If you find that TinniSoothe does not provide you with any relief, you can return your purchase to us within 30 days.

  • If you have consulted the user guide and still need help, please submit a question using the link at the bottom of this page and we will be happy to help you.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Tinnitus is the perception of an internal sound when there is no actual external sound present. It's often referred to as "ringing in the ears," but tinnitus can manifest in various auditory sensations. While ringing is the most typical sound associated with tinnitus, individuals suffering with tinnitus may also experience symptoms of buzzing, hissing, swooshing, whistling, clicking, or even, in rare instances, music. Tinnitus can vary in intensity and duration from person to person.

  • Tinnitus can be attributed to several factors, and its causes may vary among individuals. Common causes of tinnitus include:

    Loud Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as in workplaces with high noise levels or through recreational activities like concerts, can lead to tinnitus.

    Hearing Loss: Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, which can be age-related or caused by other factors.

    Acoustic Trauma: A sudden, intense noise, like an explosion or gunshot, can result in acoustic trauma, leading to tinnitus.

    Stress and Anxiety: High stress and anxiety levels can exacerbate tinnitus or make it more noticeable.

    Somatosensory Issues: Tinnitus can be associated with problems related to the neck, jaw, or other somatosensory factors.

    Hormonal Changes: Some individuals may experience tinnitus due to hormonal changes, particularly in women during pregnancy or menopause.

    Medications: Certain medications, especially those that affect the auditory system, can cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect.

    Medical Conditions: Conditions like Ménière's disease, which affects the inner ear and balance, can lead to tinnitus.

    It's important to note that tinnitus is a complex condition, and its causes can be multifactorial. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause, when possible, is key to managing tinnitus effectively.

  • Tinnitus is a complex condition, and as of now, there is no known cure for it. However, TinniSoothe was not designed to cure tinnitus, but rather provide relief to tinnitus sufferers, reducing the impact of tinnitus on their daily lives. The device aims to provide relief and facilitate the process of habituation over time.

    In the words of one TinniSoothe trial participant: "Tinnitus can become a spiral. The more you think about it, the more you think about it. TinniSoothe helps me not to notice my tinnitus and breaks that spiral. It has definitely cut down the frequency of those 'thinking about it' times." While TinniSoothe may not cure tinnitus, it can deliver valuable relief, and as such, reducing the distress caused by this condition.

  • Yes, TinniSoothe is a safe and suitable therapy option for all types of tinnitus, including chronic tinnitus that has not been responsive to other treatments. Those with significant hearing loss may find that TinniSoothe is less suitable, if they are unable to hear the white noise, or find that it is incompatible with wearing their hearing aid(s). You should always check with your family doctor or audiologist if you are unsure.

  • Absolutely, TinniSoothe can be used in conjunction with other tinnitus treatments and therapies. It can serve as a valuable part of a comprehensive tinnitus management plan. Here are some ways it can be combined with other treatments:

    Self-Help Technique: TinniSoothe can be used as a self-help technique, allowing individuals to manage their tinnitus independently.

    Complementary to Clinical Support: It can also be integrated as one component of a broader tinnitus management programme that is delivered with clinical support. This may involve working with audiologists, ENT specialists, or therapists who specialize in tinnitus management.

    Psychotherapies: TinniSoothe can be effectively used alongside psychotherapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, which are often recommended for tinnitus management.

    Hearing Aids: If you use hearing aids, it's advisable to consult with your audiologist if you intend to use TinniSoothe concurrently, as they can provide guidance on the best approach to incorporating both solutions.

    The versatility of TinniSoothe allows it to complement and enhance other treatments, contributing to a more comprehensive approach to tinnitus management.

SAFETY & EFFICACY

  • Yes. TinniSoothe is registered as a Class 1 medical device in the UK, and soon the European Union as well. A Class 1 medical device is a type of medical device that poses a minimal potential for harm to the user and is generally considered to be low-risk.

    TinniSoothe passed all relevant Electromagnetic Compatibility tests in July 2023, pursuant to:

    EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and UK Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 SI 2016 No 1091; Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC and 2007/47/EC and UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002.

    In addition, the use of sound therapy is a recommended way of providing relief to tinnitus sufferers. Sound therapy is viewed by leading organisations including the British Society of Audiology, Tinnitus UK and the American Tinnitus Association as a practical self-help technique, or as one element of a broader tinnitus management programme.

  • Sound therapy is a proven approach to managing tinnitus and there have been many studies as summarised here. TinniSoothe simply re-imagines how sound therapy is delivered, in a more practical, discreet and convenient way. In product testing, over 70% of our trialists experienced a positive outcome from using TinniSoothe. We are currently in advanced discussions with two British research institutions to conduct broader studies, to specifically measure the impact of TinniSoothe on patients with both tinnitus and anxiety.

  • Tinnitus UK has a whole section on sound therapy here. They are very clear on best practice: “The aim of sound therapy is to reach a point where the tinnitus is ‘filtered out’ most of the time by the brain, even though it may still be present. This is called habituation. Habituation is probably best achieved if you use sound enrichment at a level that is a little quieter than your tinnitus most of the time. Some people have used masking (playing a loud noise which drowns out the tinnitus) to give themselves a bit of relief. But this approach does nothing to encourage long-term habituation, and it can cause the tinnitus to appear louder when the masking is switched off.”

  • The BSA regularly updates its Practice Guidance - Tinnitus In Adults. Section 6.2.1 on Sound Enrichment states that “People with tinnitus often describe it as more noticeable or bothersome in a quiet environment, for example at night. Listening to other sounds can make the tinnitus less intrusive (Hobson et al., 2012).

    Sound enrichment should be used at a level that is a little quieter than the tinnitus sound. Some people have used masking (loud noise which covers the tinnitus) but this does not encourage habituation and the tinnitus can appear loud when the masking is removed. The choice of sound is a personal one.”

  • There are no reported adverse side effects.TinniSoothe is a non-invasive product and unlike other miniature white noise devices, it requires nothing to be worn in or around the ears. It is comfortable and relaxing for most users. We would not recommend setting the volume above the level of your tinnitus for prolonged periods of ‘masking’. The aim of TinniSoothe is to facilitate long-term habituation.

  • Tinnisoothe is contraindicated for use in the following patient types and scenarios:

    Not to be used during pregnancy; Not to be used during breastfeeding, or holding children close under 2 years; Not for use by children aged 12 or under; Not to be used by those with significant motor impairment, who may find the control buttons problematic; Not for use with volume set in excess of 70 decibels for a continuous period of eight hours or more; Not to be worn on the body whilst sleeping; Not to be worn where there is a risk of water ingress (neither the docking station nor the wearable module are waterproof); Not to be left in direct sunlight for a prolonged period, or it may overheat; Not to be used in temperatures below -20 degrees or above 60 degrees Celsius; The wearable module and docking station should be stored and charge above 0 degrees and below 45 degrees Celsius.

    Please consult your doctor before using TinniSoothe if you are epileptic, have a severe mental illness, have cardiac arrhythmia, wear a cardiac pacemaker or wear a deep brain stimulation device (DBS)

  • There is nothing preventing a child from using the TinniSoothe device, but we suggest you consult with an audiologist first, to make sure you understand what is causing their tinnitus and if sound therapy / sound enrichment is a suitable option. 

  • There are plenty of basic white noise machines on the market to aid sleep for infants. TinniSoothe is a highly configurable device which is specifically aimed at relieving tinnitus.

    Please note that we do not recommend pregnant women wear the TinniSoothe module around their neck, nor those carrying a baby on their chest for long periods (eg in a papoose).

  • Yes.

  • Yes. TinniSoothe is designed to be placed in the docking station at night, which will automatically change your settings to nighttime preferences and help you sleep. The docking station will also recharge the lithium polymer battery inside the module. We do not recommend wearing the device in bed using the lanyard attachment.

  • Yes. There are many studies showing the benefits of an holistic approach to tinnitus management including relaxation, meditation, diet, exercise, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

  • We recommend that you do not wear the module whilst playing contact sports or when doing highly vigorous exercise. Gentler sporting activities such as golf, yoga or hiking is fine. Please remember that TinniSoothe is not waterproof.

  • Noise is measured in decibels, with 0dB around the quietest sound a healthy human ear can hear. An average spoken conversation is around 60dB, and a fire alarm around 97dB.

    Care should be taken if our ears are exposed to long or repeated periods of sound over 85dB. For example in the UK, the Health & Safety Executive legally requires employers to provide hearing protection to employees exposed to 85dB or above, under the Noise Regulations Act 2005.

    With maximum volume levels of 80 dB, the white noise emitted by TinniSoothe is within safe noise regulations. However, we do not recommend volume set in excess of 70 decibels for a continuous period of eight hours or more. Most users are likely to set the volume at a level considerably below this anyway.

  • In the unlikely event that this happens, stop using the device immediately and speak to your family doctor or an audiologist to ascertain the cause.

  • Yes, however you may benefit from speaking with your audiologist if this is the case.

  • If you find that Tinnisoothe does not help to relieve your tinnitus, you can return the undamaged device and all peripherals in its original package within the first 30 days, for a full refund. We require you to send the package back by tracked mail.

  • By having a product registered as a Class 1 medical device in the UK and EU, specifically for tinnitus relief, the consumer can be assured of its high quality, safety, and reliability. These registrations indicate that the product has undergone a rigorous assessment and meets the necessary standards set by the UK and EU's regulatory authorities, ensuring it is suitable for its intended medical purpose and poses minimal risk to the user.

    The manufacturers of Class 1 medical devices are required to follow certain regulatory requirements, such as good manufacturing practices and quality system regulations. Class 1 devices are categorised as the lowest risk type.

BATTERY & CHARGING

  • At a typical volume setting of 10 and frequency setting of 15, the battery will last for up to 72 hours. 

  • On average, it takes up to 3-4 hours to charge the battery from zero to full charge. From fully charged, the battery should last at least 72 hours, meaning you can take it away for a weekend without the docking station.

  • Yes, this will charge the device as normal. However, please note that the wearable device will not enter into night-time mode unless you are using the docking station. So the volume and frequency will stay in daytime mode rather than switch to night-time settings if you simply charge directly from a USB-C cable.

  • No, the device has a built-in lithium polymer battery with no ability to swap out. We offer a product warranty of 12 months on any new unit purchased, including the battery.

  • Yes.

WARRANTY & RETURNS

  • We want you to be happy with your purchase and if not, return your device and we will happily refund your money within 30 days.

  • Neither unit is waterproof or splashproof. Liquid will damage the unit and render any 30-day returns and the 12-month warranty invalid.

  • Yes, we offer a product warranty of 12 months on any new unit purchased.

If you have a question not answered here, we’re more than happy to help…

THERE IS NO CURE FOR TINNITUS…

TINNISOOTHE

but there is hope

Tinnitus relief.
All day. All night.

Delivering real relief

Developed to be as easy to use as possible, affordable, discreet, configurable and above all effective – we’re confident that TinniSoothe will make a real difference to your condition. And if not, you have a 30 day no-quibble trial period.

Created because we care

We care passionately about helping tinnitus sufferers. As sufferers ourselves, we know only too well the impact it can have on your life - every day. Our aim to help is the whole reason we started the company and it’s our sole focus.

A business with purpose

We believe it’s crucial to talk about our mental well-being in an open and honest way and encourage you to do the same. It’s estimated that 740 million people around the world have tinnitus - so there are lots of conversations to be had.

bringing relief from tinnitus

TINY BUT MIGHTY!

We know that everyone’s experience of tinnitus is different. Whilst sound therapy is a safe and proven approach, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if TinniSoothe doesn’t bring you relief. However, it is so easy to fine-tune the volume and frequency to individual needs, we hope that every user will find their optimal settings - for both day and night-time relief.

TinniSoothe: Recognised by those who matter…

Registered as a Class 1 medical device

Patent protected

Manufactured with care

Reviewed independently