That definitely stands out to me about nicer homes. It's amazing to be able to open the windows or be in the garden and only hear wind and animals, and still be near shops and stuff.

Unfortunately, that luxury is out of reach for people with permanent tinnitus, along with those of us who are hyper-aware of the sounds of our own bodies.

I'll likely always prefer some amount of white noise to a totally silent space. A smooth-running fan has regenerative properties for me. Up to certain thresholds, I can turn that fan up to drown out the majority of whatever noise might be going on outside my room or building. It's helpful to be able to disconnect and float in your cocoon, whether for work, play, meditation or sleep.

I have tinnitus. And I feel that silence id the only true luxury. When I am in an environment that is so quiet that the only thing I hear is the hum of my tinnitus, I feel very much at peace.