Tinnitus masker facts for kids

A tinnitus masker is a small electronic device. It makes quiet sounds. People who hear ringing or buzzing in their ears use it. This ringing is called tinnitus. The masker helps cover up these sounds.

Many people with tinnitus also have trouble hearing. They might use a hearing aid. Some hearing aids can also act as tinnitus maskers. A special hearing expert, called an audiologist, helps set up these devices. They make sure the sound helps you feel better. This is because tinnitus is different for everyone.

How Tinnitus Maskers Work

Tinnitus is not the same for everyone. It can happen sometimes or all the time. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, or even whistling. The sound can be loud or soft.

Setting the Sound Level

The loudness of your tinnitus matters. It is compared to other sounds around you. This helps decide how loud the masker's sound should be. The masker's sound can be as quiet as your tinnitus. It can also be a bit louder.

The main goal is to have a steady sound playing. This sound helps to cover up the tinnitus. The noise from a tinnitus masker is often called white noise. It is made to be calming. It is less annoying than the tinnitus sounds.

What Maskers Do and Don't Do

Tinnitus maskers do not cure tinnitus. They also do not make it go away. Instead, they give your brain something else to focus on. This helps distract you from the tinnitus sounds.

Think of it like this: Imagine you are in a very dark room. If you turn on a lamp, it becomes very bright. You notice the light a lot. Now, imagine you are in a room that is already bright. If you turn on another lamp, you might not notice it as much. The light already there covers up the new light. Tinnitus maskers work in a similar way. They add a sound that makes your tinnitus less noticeable.