$Unique_ID{BRK00470}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{What is a "Tinnitus Masker"?}
$Subject{hearing sound tinnitus masker}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a "Tinnitus Masker"?


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QUESTION:  The noise in my head has been diagnosed as tinnitus.  Besides the
use of a hearing aid, my doctor spoke of employing a "tinnitus masker" to
help, but I am not sure I understood what he meant. (Maybe I didn't hear him!)
Can you explain what he meant?

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ANSWER:  Although science has not yet discovered the cause of that noise in
your head, tinnitus remains a problem for as many as 30 million Americans.
That constant buzzing, ringing, hissing or roaring noise can be most
distracting and many victims seek methods to overcome the annoyance.  Many
people prefer an external sound to the one in their head, and a tinnitus
masker is the device that provides such a sound.  It looks much like a hearing
aid, but instead of amplifying sound, it produces a type of sound that "masks"
or covers over, the sound produced in your head.  If you have a hearing loss
as well, an amplifying hearing aid and masker can be combined in a single
unit.  Maskers do not work for everyone, and some patients can obtain relief
from simple background music, or devices that reproduce the sound of the wind,
waterfalls or surf.  You will have to try a masker for yourself to know if the
device can provide you some relief.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
