Tinnitus masker sensation level (SL), is how much louder the tinnitus is above the ambient noise of the environment. By raising the ambient level of noise (playing white noise into the ear), the apparent loudness of tinnitus is reduced. The noise level is close to and usually somewhat louder than the perceived loudness of the tinnitus. The generated noise is designed to be a calming, less intrusive sound than the ringing or hissing of tinnitus. Depending on the loudness of the noise, tinnitus may be fully or partially masked. Tinnitus masking cannot reduce or eliminate tinnitus, only reduce awareness of it. The
American Tinnitus Association American Tinnitus Association The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) purpose is to promote relief, help prevent, and find cures for tinnitus. Starting in 1980, the association has granted close to $6 million dollars in funding for tinnitus research. Many of these researchers have gone on to receive larger grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based on ATA-funded research. Contributions to the association also go towards advocacy work in Washington, D.C. The ATA was created as resource for the under served tinnitus community. Many tinnitus patients had been routinely disregarded by physicians who did not have the information they needed