Preference for potential tinnitus maskers: results from annoyance ratings

Using the method of magnitude estimation, annoyance ratings of thirty-six different masking sounds obtained from a group suffering from tinnitus were compared with ratings from a normal-hearing group in an attempt to assess the acceptability of potential tinnitus maskers. The key findings were as follows: In both groups bandpass noise was rated as less annoying than tones or triangular waves. The annoyance value of bandpass maskers increased with bandwidth. Interrupted maskers were rated as more annoying than continuous maskers. Most of the differences between the tinnitus and normal group could be explained in terms of the high-frequency hearing loss and loudness recruitment associated with the tinnitus group. Control over the centre frequency and the bandwidth of a noise masker was important in optimising the acceptability of the tinnitus masker.