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Evaluation of the tinnitus masker
The American Journal of Otology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Tinnitus management can be challenging, but a tinnitus masker provided relief for nearly 50% of carefully selected patients experiencing disabling tinnitus. Hearing aid fitting also benefited some individuals with this unwanted noise.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tinnitus is a disabling symptom with no predictable medical or surgical treatment.
- Many patients experience significant life disruption from tinnitus, often described as unwanted noise.
- Standard interventions like explanation or hearing aids are insufficient for some individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of tinnitus maskers in patients with disabling tinnitus.
- To assess the benefit of patient self-evaluation and tinnitus questionnaires in management.
- To determine the success rate of tinnitus masker fitting in a selected patient group.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four patients with disabling tinnitus were referred for evaluation.
- Tinnitus questionnaires and personal evaluations were utilized.
- A 30-day trial of a tinnitus masker was provided to eligible patients.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three patients (67%) were initially fitted with a tinnitus masker.
- Fifteen patients (nearly 50%) reported relief and continued using the masker after a 30-day trial.
- Five patients (15%) benefited from hearing aid fitting.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus maskers can provide significant relief for a substantial portion of carefully selected patients with disabling tinnitus.
- Patient selection and evaluation are crucial for successful tinnitus masker intervention.
- Tinnitus maskers represent an effective management option for individuals significantly impacted by tinnitus.