Tinnitus Masking: In-Ear Maskers

[Cernuto]

I have maskers. They are effective for sleeping, very unobtrusive. The benefit is the masking sound is much more pleasing to me than the constant shrill of tinnitus. I can change the sound and volume, so if the sound becomes overbearing I adjust it. One complaint is the frequency of my tinnitus is above 12 kHz, which is a little bit above the capability of the maskers.

A theory that looks to me to be associated with CBT/TRT is the loudness of tinnitus does not correlate with the anxiety level. I find this theory to be strange. On days when my tinnitus is louder (determined by comparing it with the loudest volume of my sink/shower), it's definitely more difficult for me to function. I'll leave the maskers in all day on the louder days as they do provide relief. Other days I don't need them at all.

People with tinnitus may be reluctant to try maskers. A reason may be the makers look like hearing aids and hearing aids have a negative stigma attached. Another reason may be that they are yet another thing that reminds you you have tinnitus. If these are your reasons and you're distressed from tinnitus I suggest you get over it, do yourself a favor, and give maskers a try at least. See if you can get some loaners from an audiology clinic.

What's occurred to me while writing this is perhaps my level of hearing shifts to be less on some days while the volume of tinnitus remains the same. This would make the perceived volume of tinnitus to be louder? I don't seem to have any trouble hearing normal things (like the TV) on the 'louder' days though.

 

[Dennis LeRoy]

Out of curiosity: for folks who've had success with in-ear masking sounds, why do you think they help you?

The reason I ask is the following. One view on in-ear masking is that the sound could be just as annoying as the tinnitus itself. However, is the masking sound less annoying than the tinnitus for some reason? For example:

• Does the fact that the masker is outside the ear, rather than inside the ear like tinnitus, make the masking sound more pleasing than the tinnitus?
• Is the masking sound more broadband than the tinnitus, and thus more pleasing for that reason?
• Any other reason you find in-ear masking to be successful?

Any thoughts and experiences are most appreciated.

I recently bought a pair of AirPod Pros and use them often throughout the day. In my opinion the AirPods are a good poor man's version of maskers. I find that I use them most when I need to concentrate or talk to people (right ear only), but take it out from time to time so I can begin to adjust to the noise. Don't want to become too reliant on them of course.

My sound of choice is a chorus of crickets, I believe this works well because my tinnitus frequency is around 9000 Hz, and as far as I can tell the cricket frequencies go up to and above 9000 Hz which interferes with my high pitched hiss. I have moderate hearing loss in my right ear which starts at 4 kHz and goes on up. Thankfully I can carry on a normal conversation with the AirPods (most human voice is below 4 kHz) so there's no frequency interference with the crickets. Only issue is the odd look of wearing one AirPod and explaining why while talking to folks.

I'd MUCH rather listen to the crickets over tinnitus at this point as I'm fairly new to this malady. The only problem with AirPods so far is the fact that I can't sleep with them, simply because the charge isn't enough to take me through the whole night. They'd eventually fall out also. This is why I'm looking at other maskers for a longer term night solution.

 

[Lilah]

I have maskers. They are effective for sleeping, very unobtrusive.

What type of maskers do you have? I've heard that maskers are very uncomfortable for sleeping. How long have you been using the maskers for sleep? Do you use them during the day as well?

 

[Cernuto]

What type of maskers do you have? I've heard that maskers are very uncomfortable for sleeping. How long have you been using the maskers for sleep? Do you use them during the day as well?

These rechargeables:
https://www.oticon.com/solutions/rechargeable-hearing-aids

I've been using them around a year now. It took about a week to get used to them. When my tinnitus is really loud I may end up using them all day, until they run out of charge. They take a few hours to charge and last all day.

You can connect them to your phone and play whatever masking sound you like. Oticon makes slimmer versions which may be more comfortable.

Really, you should evaluate different manufacturers like Widex. They have some great solutions as well. It took me 2 months to decide on the manufacturer and model. Insurance covered the majority which was a major factor in selection.

 

[DebInAustralia]

This is a question for all of you who have been using White Noise Generators long term.

I was about to look into purchasing White Noise Generators, but after reading a study briefly that indicated that the use of White Noise Generators may be associated with further disinhibition, I am hesitant. I would really appreciate some input here as I am struggling still.

I obviously don't want louder tinnitus as a consequence of using White Noise Generators - even worn correctly (that is setting the volume just below the tinnitus).

If anyone has read this study (was posted on here somewhere), and has some input that could help, I would appreciate it.

Thanks very much.

Deb

 

[DebInAustralia]

I do use WNGs not for sleeping but to function daily, I would not be ale to work without them. Honestly I don't care what they write in this paper, I need masking to get through the day, I know my brain is messed up anyway with or without maskers.

The study mentioned in this thread regarding the possible disinhibitory effects of white noise is perplexing me.

I have been consider WNGs lately.

What do you all think of this?

@FGG
@Michael Leigh

 

[Cernuto]

This is a question for all of you who have been using White Noise Generators long term.

I was about to look into purchasing White Noise Generators, but after reading a study briefly that indicated that the use of White Noise Generators may be associated with further disinhibition, I am hesitant. I would really appreciate some input here as I am struggling still.

I obviously don't want louder tinnitus as a consequence of using White Noise Generators - even worn correctly (that is setting the volume just below the tinnitus).

If anyone has read this study (was posted on here somewhere), and has some input that could help, I would appreciate it.

Thanks very much.

Deb

Dr. Nagler's advice:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-masking-tinnitus-harmful-to-ears.38512/#post-494997

 

[wwtsai]

These rechargeables:
https://www.oticon.com/solutions/rechargeable-hearing-aids

I've been using them around a year now. It took about a week to get used to them. When my tinnitus is really loud I may end up using them all day, until they run out of charge. They take a few hours to charge and last all day.

You can connect them to your phone and play whatever masking sound you like. Oticon makes slimmer versions which may be more comfortable.

Really, you should evaluate different manufacturers like Widex. They have some great solutions as well. It took me 2 months to decide on the manufacturer and model. Insurance covered the majority which was a major factor in selection.

Do you mind sharing the pros/cons with the other hearing aids you've tried? I just got my Oticon S2s but I admit I kind of wished I had shopped around first. I might bring up trialing other ones when I go in a few weeks to fine tune my S2s.

 

[DebInAustralia]

Dr. Nagler's advice:

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-masking-tinnitus-harmful-to-ears.38512/#post-494997

Ty.

My concern wasn't so much auditory damage.

But

The maladaptive plastic changes has been shown in one study to cause further disinhibition???

 

[Cernuto]

Do you mind sharing the pros/cons with the other hearing aids you've tried? I just got my Oticon S2s but I admit I kind of wished I had shopped around first. I might bring up trialing other ones when I go in a few weeks to fine tune my S2s.

I tried a Widex Evoke model for a 30 day trial. The Zen tones were a nice feature and its phone app had a bit more features than my Oticons. You can tune out sounds (voices) coming from a particular direction even. Having to change the batteries was the con to the Widex. There were other Oticon models I tried that were thinner, but again they needed batteries. So, between the insurance coverage and the rechargeables, I narrowed it down to the Oticon Opn S1.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@DebInAustralia

I have only seen your post by chance and received no Alert message. White noise generators should be used under the guidance of an Audiologist/Hearing Therapist experienced in tinnitus and hyperacusis. Regular counselling with these health professionals is also advised. I have written posts on using white noise generators as part of TRT in the links below.

Michael

What Is TRT and When Should It Be Started?
What Happens in TRT Sessions?

 

[Cernuto]

Ty.

My concern wasn't so much auditory damage.

But

The maladaptive plastic changes has been shown in one study to cause further disinhibition???

Sounds plausible if it's misused. The idea isn't to block out tinnitus entirely. You let enough tinnitus in to not cause anxiety and then averaged out over time you should need less and less masking. Easier said than done. That's why you need an expert. Consult with an audiologist.

 

[DebInAustralia]

Sounds plausible if it's misused. The idea isn't to block out tinnitus entirely. You let enough tinnitus in to not cause anxiety and then averaged out over time you should need less and less masking. Easier said than done. That's why you need an expert. Consult with an audiologist.

Thanks for that.

I have a telehealth with my audiologist tomorrow scheduled to discuss further.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

My tinnitus got worse throughout the years.

Unfortunately, the hearing aids are not an option for me at this point.

My best wishes to you all.

 

[Lilah]

My tinnitus got worse throughout the years.

Unfortunately, the hearing aids are not an option for me at this point.

My best wishes to you all.

Sorry to hear that. Do you think the hearing aids/maskers caused the worsening?

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Sorry to hear that. Do you think the hearing aids/maskers caused the worsening?

No. I only tried them that one day at the audiologist office. Really had high hopes they could help me, but my tinnitus got worse and I never had a chance to try them for an extended period of time.

 

[Kpikid]

I had an acoustic shock from a telephone in 2008 in the UK.

On the NHS I got the programmable hearing aids that has white noise.

Unfortunately after getting fitted for the inner ear adaptors the pain the ear canal started later on. Also you had no off switch and had to open the battery door on the hearing aid to deactivate them.

Twelve years on my tinnitus is beyond belief and it screams in my head. The only solace is tranquilizers or long sleep deprivation. I have resolved most of the ambient noise with ocean sounds or rain drops on windows music tracks you can find on Deezer.

Placing a speaker three feet away on medium volume gives some relief. I would give the white noise hearing aids a pass and use Bluetooth headphones (BTH-10 on Amazon) and refrain from ear buds as it will make matters worse.

I used to love to go fishing at 6am on a lake when it was silent with the odd lake waters lapping on the bank. Now when I go fishing it sounds like 747 taking off all day and night.

 

[bobvann]

No. I only tried them that one day at the audiologist office. Really had high hopes they could help me, but my tinnitus got worse and I never had a chance to try them for an extended period of time.

Same thing happened to me 2 years ago in an Audiologist's office. Tinnitus spiked after approx 5 minutes. I had trialed Widex a few years prior and returned them after one day because I was in tears from the spikes/pain. I trialed Oticons last fall for approx 6 weeks. No benefit.

I corresponded with Pawel Jastreboff who stated not to persist if they make things worse. Dr. Nagler has also stated the same.

Listen to R2D2 on crack!

 

[Helheim]

I used them for about a year and a half. Yes, the masking noise is more pleasant - unfortunately my tinnitus frequency is high and it kind of just shrieks over it anyway. My hyperacusis got much better but my tinnitus got much worse. After an ear infection, I found that the noisers just agitated my tinnitus even more so I stopped using them. Tinnitus is still bad, and I attribute it to constant white noise exposure from the devices (and yes, it was used at the recommended setting).

 

[DebInAustralia]

I used them for about a year and a half. Yes, the masking noise is more pleasant - unfortunately my tinnitus frequency is high and it kind of just shrieks over it anyway. My hyperacusis got much better but my tinnitus got much worse. After an ear infection, I found that the noisers just agitated my tinnitus even more so I stopped using them. Tinnitus is still bad, and I attribute it to constant white noise exposure from the devices (and yes, it was used at the recommended setting).

What about amplifying frequencies that are affected by hearing loss then?

 

[bobvann]

What about amplifying frequencies that are affected by hearing loss then?

I tried this so called "notched" custom noise and it did nada...

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Same thing happened to me 2 years ago in an Audiologist's office. Tinnitus spiked after approx 5 minutes.

Oh, sorry. What a bummer.

Just to make it clear for others reading this thread, I tried the hearing aids and I liked them while I was trying them at the audiologist's office. They seem to make a difference and helped masking the tinnitus at the time. I didn't get them right away because they were around $6,000. I went home to think about it and shortly after my visit to the audiologist, I got a spike from something else and never got better. I ended up with a horrible hum in my ears that the hearing aids could not mask. So that's the short version of that part of my story.

 

[KWC]

Hello. I have tinnitus in my right ear only.

I have clear audiograms and have TMJ on that side.

I am trying Oticon hearing aids, just using the masking feature.

My audiologist said I should do both ears.

Does anyone have thoughts on this?

@Michael Leigh I know you are versed in this area.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hello. I have tinnitus in my right ear only.

I have clear audiograms and have TMJ on that side.

I am trying Oticon hearing aids, just using the masking feature.

My audiologist said I should do both ears.

Does anyone have thoughts on this?

@Michael Leigh I know you are versed in this area.

Thanks,
Ken

HI @KWC

I have only seen your post by chance even though you wrote my name I haven't received an alert message. Please supply me with more information about your tinnitus and whether you have any over sensitivity to sound or hyperacusis? Using maskers: to give their proper name: White noise generators is not as simple as you may think. If you are not careful you could make your tinnitus worse. This is the reason I have asked to give as much information about your tinnitus as possible.

Example: When did it start and do you know what was the cause? Prior to the full onset of tinnitus did you ever experience it before and it went away? Were you are regular user of headphones, earbuds or used a Headset? Worked in a noisy environment. Listened to loud music or engaged in noisy outside sports, perhaps at a shooting range? I need to find out if your tinnitus was noise induced? I see you are under the care of an Audiologist what has he/she advised as in treatment? What treatment are you having for the TMJ?

Thank you.
Michael

 

[KWC]

Thanks @Michael Leigh.

My tinnitus started in January of this year. I have no sensitivity to sound or hyperacusis.

As far as cause, I'm not completely sure. I had an ear infection in January and have been diagnosed with TMJ.

I used earbuds for work mainly for calls in a office environment. No loud music sports or gun ranges.

I have had three standard audiograms done that did not show hearing loss.

My tinnitus is on my right side as is my TMJ.

I never had tinnitus before and yes they were recommended by my audiologist.

For tmj treatment I am on dual splint therapy at 17 weeks.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Michael Leigh]

My tinnitus is on my right side as is my TMJ.

HI @KWC

Thank you. If you wish to send me an alert message in future please write my name as @Michael Leigh and don't include a full stop at the end.

White noise generators can help with habituation but I advise that you use it with caution. Some say if the tinnitus is only in one ear then only one WNGs is needed others say two should be worn to keep the auditory system in balance. Someone I used to be in contact with was told by their Audiologist who specialises in tinnitus and hyperacsusis management, said only one white noise generator needs to be worn as the brain has only one auditory centre. This is what she advises her patients and all of them have successfully been treated for hyperacusis. She said the only people that don't improve are those that don't follow her treatment programme which lasts 18 months. Counselling is also provided.

I still use white noise generators but only for sound enrichment and when my tinnitus is intrusive. I occasionally wear them when the tinnitus is completely silent and have no adverse effects. I have been using wngs for many years. I prefer to wear two as I'm of the belief the auditory system should be kept in balance and agree with your Audiologist but the choice is yours. I advise that you stop using any type of headphones, earbuds or headset even at low volume. Keep the white noise generators low and use it/them in the way I've described in my posts which I believe you've read. That is to introduce it slowly and keep the volume of the white noise below the level of the tinnitus. At night use sound enrichment by the bedside.

Hope this helps.
All the best

Michael

 

[KWC]

@Michael Leigh thank you for your advice.

Yes I am in treatment for my TMJ. I have been on dual splint therapy for 17 weeks.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Frédéric]

Sound Generator: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Noise in the Habituation of Tinnitus

Introduction
Tinnitus is a disorder that affects 10 to 15% of de world's population. Sound therapy performed through hearing aids (HAs) with integrated sound generator (SG) is one of the forms of tinnitus treatment.

Objective
To analyze the effectiveness of four masking noises in relieving tinnitus in individuals with mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and their influence in speech perception.

Methods
The participants were 35 individuals with tinnitus and mild and moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, divided into four groups. All groups underwent HA and SG adaptation, being regulated in the combined mode (HA and SG). In group 1 (G1), the white noise stimulus was applied, in group 2 (G2), pink noise was applied, in group 3 (G3), speech noise, and in group 4 (G4), the high tone was applied. All patients were subjected to the following procedures: audiological diagnosis, acuphenometry, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and hearing in noise test (HINT). The procedures were performed prior to and after hearing intervention, and after 3 months of use of HA and SG.

Results
All groups presented a statistically significant difference for the THI, VAS, and HINT pre and postintervention. In the case of the HINT, only pink noise presented a significant difference. However, in the comparation among groups there was no significant difference.

Conclusion
The present study made it possible to conclude that the four noises were equally effective in relieving tinnitus, with no statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups.

Full article: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0040-1713377

 

[Poseidon65]

Has anyone here used in-ear maskers for an extended period of time (e.g. like daily use for several years)?

If so, have you found your experience with the maskers to be positive?

I'm considering getting some maskers, and would love to hear if they've worked long-term for anyone here.

 

[Rio80]

I don't know if hearing aids with maskers qualify as in-ear maskers but ever since I started wearing mine, it's been a lifesaver for me. I've een wearing mine for about a year. I have moderate to severe hearing loss so just amplifying external sounds helps with the tinnitus and with my ears not feeling as full. The maskers help as well. They don't mask it completely as my tinnitus is very loud so I still suffer... just not as much. I can cope better. I don't feel they've made my tinnitus worse at all.

Before the hearing aids I had to have background noise on 24/7... literally or I'd go crazy. And although I still need it on some days, there are other days I don't. I wear Signia Pure 312 7nx.