Tinnitus masker issues associated with use of tinnitus maskers: the "safe" level of continuous sound depends on the duration of the sound. For maskers worn continuously, or most of the day, a safe level is no more than 70db, in accordance with EPA maximum safe exposure level for 24-hour environmental sound. Maskers louder than 45db or so (the ambient background level of an average home living area) may start to interfere with understanding conversation (about 60db). Masking of high frequency tinnitus (>6,000hz) is difficult because of the resonance characteristics of the human ear as well as high frequency limitations of in-ear devices.
American Tinnitus Association to proficiently treat and diagnose tinnitus patients. Jack Vernon, Ph.D. joined Dr. Charles Unice to form the ATA in 1971. The two met while Dr. Vernon was conducting clinical research at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR and began treating Dr. Unice for his tinnitus condition. With aim to raise money for tinnitus funding, the ATA was born. Portland, OR still serves as base for the organization. The ATA started in a small studio sized office and was staffed by Portland area volunteers. Since then the ATA has become the largest group of individual contributors that awards grant