Comparison of Tinnitus Masking and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Abstract

Two methods for treating tinnitus are compared. Tinnitus masking has been used for over 25 years, and although this method is used in clinics around the world, there are many misconceptions regarding the proper protocol for its clinical application. Tinnitus retraining therapy has been used clinically for over 12 years and has received considerable international attention. Although these methods are distinctive in their basic approach to tinnitus management, certain aspects of treatment appear similar. These aspects of treatment have created considerable confusion and controversy, especially regarding the use of "sound therapy" as a basic component of treatment. It is the objective of this article to clarify the major differences that exist between these two forms of treatment.

Combined Amplification and Sound Generation for Tinnitus: A Scoping Review

“…Some authors specified that tinnitus should be a primary complaint ( Stephens & Corcoran 1985 ; Sweetow & Sabes 2010 ). Several records described combination devices in the context of TM ( Vernon & Meikle 2000 ; Henry et al 2002a , b ; Schechter & Henry 2002 ;). The main objective of TM is to provide immediate relief from tinnitus through the use of ear-level devices (noise generators, hearing aids, or combination hearing aids).…”

Tinnitus Update

“… 75 Sound therapy can be applied using sound (noise) generators, hearing aids, or a combination of a hearing aid and a noise generator. 76 The sound generators produce a broadband sound that can reduce (partial masking) or even eliminate (complete masking) the perception of tinnitus. 33 Patients undergoing masking are also advised to use various sound sources for the masking, such as a CD player, radio, or tabletop sound generator.…”

Outcomes at 6 months are related to brain structural and white matter microstructural reorganization in idiopathic tinnitus patients treated with sound therapy

“…In the abovementioned treatment methods, sound therapy, such as frequency unmodulated noise generators involving the use of recorded noise, a special tinnitus noiser, or a tinnitus masker device (Jastreboff, 1999; Oishi et al, 2013), has been widely suggested in the treatment of idiopathic tinnitus in many studies (Han, Na, et al, 2019; Han, Yawen, et al, 2019; Jastreboff, 1999; Lv et al, 2020; Oishi et al, 2013). Meanwhile, sound therapy has been listed as an option in clinical practice guidelines (Henry, Schechter, Nagler, & Fausti, 2002; Tunkel et al, 2014) and even as a first line of management for tinnitus patients (together with other hearing aids, information, and advice) (Hoare, Edmondson‐Jones, Sereda, Akeroyd, & Hall, 2014; Hobson, Chisholm, & El, 2012; Sereda, Hoare, Nicholson, Smith, & Hall, 2015; Tutaj, Hoare, & Sereda, 2018).…”