Question
I have tinnitus, and wonder, regarding the ear mounted or table top maskers that you or others sell, whether any or all have:
a) volume controls
b) frequency or other sound pitch controls?
I would like to try to match the ringing in my ears to the best masking sound, then turn down the volume so that I can just barely still hear the tinnitus ringing.
Also understand that my tinnitus pitch is most likely around 10,000 hz, and wonder which maskers can match this frequency?
Answer
The answers to your questions are:
a) All ear level and desk top sound devices have volume controls.
b) Not all ear level and desk top sound devices have frequency controls. Some ear level devices have filters buit in them that allow certain levels of frequency selection. Examples of such devices are SilentStar (Starkey) and Sereniti (Siemens). Most desk top sound devices do have multiple types of sounds for selection, but custom adjusting and fine tuning of the sound output is usually not available. One exception is the Q321 Tinnitus Masker (MicroTek). This is a desk top unit that allows the user to select six octave center frequencies (from 500 to 16,000 Hz) with four bandwidth settings (broad, 1, ½ and 1/3 octave bandpass). There are also commercially available CD tracks that present various sounds including bandpass noises of different center frequencies and bandwidth. These CD sounds can be combined with stereo, headphones and sound pillows for different listening needs.
Hope the above have answered your audience's questions. Please let me know if I can be of further help. Yong-bing Shi, M.D., Ph.D. Assisstant Professor of Otolaryngology Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Oregon Health & Science University 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, NRC04 Portland, OR 97201
1https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/tinnitus-activities-treatment-33539Tinnitus Activities TreatmentThe course will provide clinicians with a framework for evaluating and treating tinnitus patients, including counseling for Thoughts and Emotions, Hearing, Sleep and Concentration difficulties. It will include the application of hearing aids, and wearable and non-wearable sound therapy devices.auditory, textual, visual
The course will provide clinicians with a framework for evaluating and treating tinnitus patients, including counseling for Thoughts and Emotions, Hearing, Sleep and Concentration difficulties. It will include the application of hearing aids, and wearable and non-wearable sound therapy devices.
2https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/teenagers-with-tinnitus-38668Teenagers with TinnitusThis course describes the prevalence of tinnitus in teenagers from all causes, and discusses the primary complaints associated with bothersome tinnitus. Specific interventions the audiologist can provide are described in detail.auditory, textual, visual
This course describes the prevalence of tinnitus in teenagers from all causes, and discusses the primary complaints associated with bothersome tinnitus. Specific interventions the audiologist can provide are described in detail.
3https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/hyperacusis-misophobia-35597Hyperacusis and My MisophobiaHyperacusis comes in many different forms (loudness, avoidance, fear and pain) and patients need our help. There are effective counseling, sound therapy and hearing aid approaches that many find helpful.auditory, textual, visual
Hyperacusis comes in many different forms (loudness, avoidance, fear and pain) and patients need our help. There are effective counseling, sound therapy and hearing aid approaches that many find helpful.
4https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/clinical-assessment-hyperacusis-in-children-35599Clinical Assessment of Hyperacusis in Children and AdultsMeasuring hyperacusis in children is an important skill for the audiologist. Using an adapted Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) assessment protocol provides valuable information and treatment progress data points. Hyperacusis is an unusual condition that can be present in pediatric populations and deserves attention and professional assessment.auditory, textual, visual
Measuring hyperacusis in children is an important skill for the audiologist. Using an adapted Loudness Discomfort Level (LDL) assessment protocol provides valuable information and treatment progress data points. Hyperacusis is an unusual condition that can be present in pediatric populations and deserves attention and professional assessment.
5https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/course/modern-technologies-for-management-tinnitus-38415Modern Technologies for the Management of Tinnitus: The Colorado Model of CareTinnitus is a leading chronic condition from which millions of Americans suffer. Patients with annoying or debilitating tinnitus often seek the help of hearing care professionals. This podcast provides evidence-based, real world insights from the University of Colorado Medical School’s Audiology Department and how to more effectively manage patients with tinnitus through counseling and the provision of various modern technologies.auditory
Tinnitus is a leading chronic condition from which millions of Americans suffer. Patients with annoying or debilitating tinnitus often seek the help of hearing care professionals. This podcast provides evidence-based, real world insights from the University of Colorado Medical School’s Audiology Department and how to more effectively manage patients with tinnitus through counseling and the provision of various modern technologies.
