subject: Key Points For A Tinnitus Masker [print this page] Tinnitus is said to affect 10% of the adult population. There are many different treatments options for tinnitus, such as a tinnitus masker and some are more effective than others. After the poor results from conventional medicine for an approach to treating tinnitus, many people look at other alternatives such as acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and diet.
Below I will discuss the role of tinnitus maskers and some other proven tinnitus approaches. Tinnitus maskers can also be referred to as sound generators. These two names refer to a large array of devices that play broadband music, nature sounds, noise or other generalized sounds. There are two option for the type of tinnitus masker you may want either a ear level noise generator that can be like a hearing aid outside the ear or inside the ear. Hearing aid companies often make these with in built hearing aid functions and these are called combination units. When first used the tinnitus masker was tuned to the noise bandwidth of the tinnitus that was experienced, however, it has been found to be more effective and easier to listen to, to just have it tuned to broadband noise. Now this means they are easier to set up for people with the only variable being the intensity level or setting. Some other considerations with tinnitus maskers are the output level, masking level and portability of the unit.
With conditions of hearing loss or tinnitus it is recommended to not use high output levels of sound as this can result in a worsening of the condition. Another reason is that high output levels can also affect your speech perception. The adjustment of the noise level intensity can be up to the individual's choice with a strong recommendation that a lower masker level that mimics a soft background noise will most likely help reduce the perception of tinnitus.
Some types of tinnitus maskers as part of their management approach may require a certain masking level. This can be referred to as a 'mixing point. And this results in the perception of the tinnitus being audible at just a small level about the masking noise. Another thing up for individual variation is the use of single ear or both ear masking devices. It has been shown even a one ear device that is on the non affected tinnitus ear can be beneficial.
A portable music player or mp3 player that many people already own can also be used. Because it may not require the purchase of anything new this can be cost efficient. You can use these devices as tinnitus maskers or as part of partial masking therapy by using a correct sound level. The choice of relaxing music, peaceful music or natural sounds can be used.
There can be many different approaches to tinnitus. If you are looking for the fastest and most permanent results I recommend a natural and holistic approach. There are many people who have ended their tinnitus by addressing the underlying cause and used things like dietary changes, supplements and lifestyle factors . In some cases the relief can be in as little as one week.
