We all know that quality sleep boosts productivity, improves mood, and benefits overall health. But what’s often overlooked is how much of an impact a good night’s sleep can have on tinnitus.
Personally, my tinnitus is at its worst just as I’m drifting off to sleep. If you’re anything like me, you’ll know those moments when you’d do anything for a little silence. So, maybe – just maybe these Ozlo Sleepbuds could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Today, I’m sharing my full review of the Ozlo Sleepbuds, including five reasons to try them and a few considerations on why they might not be right for everyone.
Introducing the Ozlo Sleepbuds
For me, there are a few non-negotiables when it comes to sleep tech:
- Durable enough to be thrown in a travel bag
- Comfortable for side sleepers
- Easy to clean
- Effective at masking tinnitus
First impressions? I was not disappointed. The packaging is high-end, and the device itself exudes quality.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds are designed by former Bose engineers who originally developed the beloved, but discontinued, Bose Sleepbuds. This new version appears to have taken the same concept and significantly refined it.
Inside the box you’ll find:
- A sleek charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guide and safety instructions
- A range of ear tips (sizes 0–4, with size 2 pre-installed)
First impressions & smart features
The case itself is compact and beautifully designed, with a magnetic sliding lid and built-in sensors that monitor light, noise, and temperature while you sleep.
Ozlo hint at future updates to make these sensors capable of advanced health tracking, perhaps turning this into more than just a sleep aid.
Design, fit & comfort
The earbuds are tiny. They’re light, soft, and sit flush inside the ear—perfect for side sleepers. There’s a thoughtful grill design that prevents wax from reaching the speaker while still allowing sound through.
Comfort-wise, they’re excellent. I often wear custom-made earplugs, and these are just as comfortable, if not more so. Most importantly, they don’t fall out during the night.
Sound masking for tinnitus
Sound therapy is crucial for managing tinnitus. Ozlo provides 10 built-in masking sounds via the app. I listened to each for 30 seconds and found “Crimson Cloak” to be the most effective for me.
I’ve included sound samples in my video below for you to test as well. Some sounds were better than others. While “Crimson Cloak” worked well, others required a volume level that made sleep impossible. Still, overall, they helped.
Streaming your own content
If built-in sounds aren’t your thing, Ozlo allows you to stream your own content—podcasts, audiobooks, or music. While I find this a bit distracting in the middle of the night, Ozlo cleverly detects when you fall asleep and switches over to your preferred masking sound automatically.
The app itself is intuitive and controls everything from volume and sound selection to sleep timers and alarms.
Battery life
Battery life has been greatly improved since the original Bose version. Ozlo promises up to 10 hours on a single charge, and the case holds enough power for a couple of weeks. Personally, I get around 7 hours of sleep, so they’ve exceeded my needs.
Downsides of Ozlo Sleepbuds
Time for a few drawbacks – because no tech is perfect.
1. Sound quality
These aren’t high-fidelity earbuds. There’s very little bass, and music lacks richness. But for sleep sounds, this actually works in their favour—making the audio less intrusive.
2. No active noise cancellation (ANC)
Ozlo chose not to include ANC, which is a bold move at this price point. Their reasoning? ANC might actually disrupt your sleep more by increasing alertness in total silence. More likely, they made a trade-off for battery life.
Instead, they focus on creating a gentle, consistent soundscape—a soft audio blanket, if you like.
3. Connectivity issues
This was my biggest frustration. I kept getting the “leave Sleepbuds in case while connecting” message, which was annoying before bed. Hopefully, a firmware update can fix this soon.
Should you buy them?
So, do they work?
Yes and no. They’re not a cure, but they’re a genuine help. On most nights, they reduce the impact of my tinnitus and help me sleep better. They’re comfortable, discreet, and effective—especially for side sleepers.
If you’re suffering from tinnitus and want to improve your sleep without disturbing your partner, these could be the solution.
Harley Street Hearing’s clinical audiologists can help to find the most suitable tinnitus treatment for you. Get in touch with us to book an appointment.
Best Sleep Earbuds for Tinnitus? Ozlo Sleep Buds Full Review & Sound Test Video
Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing, and Europe’s biggest hearing technology Youtuber for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinion on all new hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can view his video on Ozlo Sleepbuds below.
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