What is a "Tinnitus Masker"?

QUESTION: The noise in my head has been diagnosed as tinnitus. Besides the
use of a hearing aid, my doctor spoke of employing a "tinnitus masker" to
help, but I am not sure I understood what he meant. (Maybe I didn't hear
him!) Can you explain what he meant?
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ANSWER: Although science has not yet discovered the cause of that noise in
your head, tinnitus remains a problem for as many as 30 million Americans.
That constant buzzing, ringing, hissing or roaring noise can be most
distracting and many victims seek methods to overcome the annoyance. Many
people prefer an external sound to the one in their head, and a tinnitus
masker is the device that provides such a sound. It looks much like a hearing
aid, but instead of amplifying sound, it produces a type of sound that
"masks," or covers over, the sound produced in your head. If you have a
hearing loss as well, an amplifying hearing aid and masker can be combined in
a single unit. Maskers do not work for everyone, and some patients can obtain
relief from simple background music, or devices that reproduce the sound of
the wind, waterfalls or surf. You will have to try a masker for yourself to
know if the device can provide you some relief.