Tinnitus is a medical term for the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. It is often described as “ringing in the ears.” Some individuals have described the sound as a hissing noise or whistling. Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent.
Tinnitus maskers look like hearing aids, but they produce sound that “mask” or cover up tinnitus. The characteristics of tinnitus, such as pitch and loudness, determine what kind of noise will bring relief. Like other treatments for tinnitus, maskers are useful for some, but not everyone.
Will I live longer if I use a tinnitus masker?
Scientific evidence is not available to show if using a tinnitus masker will cause you to live longer.
Will use of a tinnitus masker improve my quality of life?
Long-term scientific evidence is not available to show if a tinnitus masker improves your quality of life.
Does the use of a tinnitus masker improve my symptoms?
Long-term scientific evidence is not available to show if a tinnitus masker will improve your symptoms.
Much more information, including data from more individuals who have used tinnitus maskers, is needed to determine their safety.
There were no well-designed clinical studies found in the published literature that compares the use of tinnitus maskers to other alternatives.

The cost of a tinnitus masker may range from $60 to $100 or more.
The cost may or may not be covered by your health benefits plan.
The following are off-site links
:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (no date). Tinnitus. Retrieved March 5, 2013 from http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/Tinnitus.htm.
Mayo Clinic. (2013, February). Tinnitus. Retrieved March 5, 2013 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tinnitus/DS00365.
3/28/2014
This document has been classified as public information.