People with recent noise-induced tinnitus who use masking therapy for six months will achieve a significant reduction in noise and/or tinnitus bother. This is according to recent study, published this year.
For more information, see
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/25966560
That said, it doesn't appear that a second group, who did not receive masking therapy, was used. Of course, other studies have also suggested that early stimulation of the auditory cortex after noise damage may prevent tinnitus from developing. And using masking for recent onset tinnitus cannot hurt so I'd suggest that all newbies try it.
What is really needed is a large study where half of the people mask and the other half do nothing.
For more information, see
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/25966560
That said, it doesn't appear that a second group, who did not receive masking therapy, was used. Of course, other studies have also suggested that early stimulation of the auditory cortex after noise damage may prevent tinnitus from developing. And using masking for recent onset tinnitus cannot hurt so I'd suggest that all newbies try it.
What is really needed is a large study where half of the people mask and the other half do nothing.