Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about tinnitus, sound therapy, and how AudioCleanAI can help you find relief.
General
What is AudioCleanAI?
AudioCleanAI is a free, browser-based platform that provides tinnitus relief tools including a frequency test, sound therapy, notched sound therapy, a sound mixer, a sleep timer, and a tinnitus tracker. All tools run entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API, so there is nothing to download or install.
Is AudioCleanAI really free?
Yes. All core tools — the frequency test, sound therapy, notched therapy, sound mixer, sleep timer, and tinnitus tracker — are completely free to use. We offer an optional Pro plan for users who want advanced features like custom presets and extended tracking, but the essential tinnitus relief tools will always be free.
Do I need to sign up or create an account?
No. You can use every tool on AudioCleanAI without creating an account, providing an email address, or sharing any personal information. The tools work instantly in your browser. An account is only needed if you want to save your data across devices with our optional Pro plan.
Is AudioCleanAI safe to use?
Yes. AudioCleanAI uses standard web technologies (Web Audio API) that are built into all modern browsers. The sound levels are capped at safe volumes, and all processing happens locally in your browser. We do not provide medical advice — if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or one-sided tinnitus, please consult a healthcare professional.
Tinnitus Basics
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is most commonly caused by exposure to loud noise, which damages the tiny hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea). Other causes include age-related hearing loss, earwax buildup, certain medications (ototoxic drugs), head or neck injuries, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Can tinnitus be cured?
There is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, but many people experience significant improvement over time through habituation — the brain gradually learns to filter out the phantom sound. Treatments like sound therapy, notched sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) can substantially reduce the perceived loudness and distress.
What frequency is tinnitus?
Tinnitus can occur at any frequency, but most people experience it between 3,000 and 8,000 Hz. The perceived pitch varies widely — some hear a low hum or buzz, while others hear a high-pitched ringing or whine. Taking a frequency test helps you identify the specific pitch of your tinnitus, which is useful for targeted sound therapy.
Is tinnitus permanent?
Not always. Tinnitus caused by a temporary factor — such as earwax buildup, a cold, or a single loud noise exposure — often resolves on its own within days or weeks. Chronic tinnitus (lasting more than six months) is more persistent, but even chronic cases can improve significantly with proper management and therapy. The brain is remarkably adaptive, and habituation is achievable for most people.
Tools
How does the tinnitus frequency test work?
The frequency test plays a series of pure tones at different pitches through your headphones or speakers. You indicate which tone sounds closest to the ringing or buzzing you hear in your ears. Through a process of elimination, the test narrows down your tinnitus frequency in about 5 minutes. Knowing your frequency helps you choose the right masking sounds and enables targeted therapies like notched sound therapy.
What is notched sound therapy?
Notched sound therapy is a neuroscience-based approach where you listen to audio that has a narrow frequency band removed (notched out) — specifically, the frequency that matches your tinnitus. Research from the University of Munster shows that this technique can reduce tinnitus loudness over time by encouraging the brain to reorganize its auditory cortex. It works best for tinnitus frequencies below 8,000 Hz and requires consistent daily listening over several weeks or months.
How does sound masking work for tinnitus relief?
Sound masking introduces a gentle, pleasant background sound — such as white noise, pink noise, brown noise, or nature sounds — that partially covers the tinnitus frequency. This reduces the contrast between your tinnitus and silence, making the ringing less noticeable and less distressing. Sound masking is one of the most widely recommended tinnitus management strategies by audiologists worldwide.
What sounds are best for masking tinnitus?
The best masking sound depends on your tinnitus frequency and personal preference. Brown noise (deep and warm) works well for higher-pitched tinnitus. Pink noise (balanced) has clinical evidence for improving sleep quality. Nature sounds like rain and ocean waves are popular because they are non-repetitive and relaxing. White noise covers all frequencies equally. Our sound mixer lets you combine multiple sounds to find your ideal blend.
Sleep
How does the sleep timer help with tinnitus?
The sleep timer plays your chosen masking sound for a set duration (typically 30 to 45 minutes) and then gradually fades the volume down over the last 2 minutes before stopping. This gives your brain enough time to fall asleep with sound masking active, without playing audio all night — which could disrupt deep sleep cycles. It is designed specifically for people who need sound to fall asleep but do not want it playing continuously.
What sound should I use for sleeping with tinnitus?
Brown noise and rain sounds are generally the best choices for sleep because they are deep, warm, and non-stimulating. Pink noise is also effective and has been shown in studies to improve deep sleep quality. Avoid white noise at high volumes for sleep, as its brighter frequency profile can be too stimulating for some people. The key is finding a sound and volume that reduces the contrast with your tinnitus without being loud enough to keep you awake.
Privacy
Is my data private when using AudioCleanAI?
Yes. All audio processing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your tinnitus frequency, listening sessions, and any tracking data are stored locally on your device and are never transmitted to our servers. We do not collect personal health information, and we do not sell or share any user data with third parties.
Does AudioCleanAI use cookies?
AudioCleanAI uses only essential cookies required for the website to function properly, such as remembering your preference settings. We do not use advertising cookies, tracking cookies, or third-party analytics cookies that identify you personally. You can read our full privacy policy for details on the minimal data we collect for site operation.
Still have questions?
Visit our blog for in-depth articles about tinnitus and sound therapy, or reach out to us at [email protected].