Tinnitus masking features, often found in hearing aids or dedicated sound generators, utilize external sounds to reduce the perception of tinnitus. These features generate soothing sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or customized tones to help distract from the ringing, buzzing, or other noises associated with tinnitus. This masking effect can make tinnitus less noticeable and intrusive, allowing individuals to focus on other sounds and activities.
Here’s a more detailed look at tinnitus masking features:

How they work:

Distraction: Masking features introduce external sounds to compete with the tinnitus, essentially shifting the brain’s focus away from the internal noise.

Habituation: While masking provides immediate relief, it’s also used in conjunction with habituation therapy, which helps the brain learn to ignore tinnitus over time.

Customization: Many devices allow for customization of the masking sound, including pitch, volume, and type of sound, to best suit the individual’s tinnitus and preferences.