A tinnitus instrument is a combination of a hearing aid and a sound generator. The two components are packaged in a single case but with independent volume controls. Sound generators produce sounds like rain or the ocean, which are more pleasant to listen to and can muffle the sound of high-pitched tinnitus. Because masking-type sounds are like background noise, they can be ignored more easily than tinnitus sounds. Sound generators give patients a way of exerting control over their tinnitus, rather than the tinnitus always having control over the patient.
Patients can decide when, where, and at what volume to use their sound generators.
The goal of Acoustic Therapy is not necessarily to completely cover or mask the tinnitus sound. In fact, complete masking is not possible for some patients. Wearing sound generators usually gives patients immediate relief from tinnitus. Sound generators can help patients to concentrate, sleep, feel less anxious, and improve the quality of their lives.