TINNITUS MASKER

Typical Number in Hospital:

Cost Bands: 1,2

References:

Tinnitus is a buzzing, whistling or ringing noise which frequently accompanies deafness. It may appear to come from one or both ears or be heard within the head. It is a very poorly understood phenomenon and very little can be done to help the tinnitus sufferer. Everyday background noises can usually cover up (mask) a patient's tinnitus and so the effect is most noticeable and distressing at quiet times of the day and especially at night. Although tinnitus is sometimes present in the absence of any hearing problems, patients with a hearing loss who use a hearing aid often find that the aid amplifies even quiet environmental sounds sufficient to produce a masking effect. However, if a hearing aid is not fitted then a tinnitus masker is sometimes prescribed.

This device looks like a conventional ear-level hearing aid except that it has no microphone, and simply emits a broad band noise into the ear. Experience so far with these devices has shown that the success rate is very dependent on the amount of support and guidance given to the patient.