Tinnitus masker The ear has a resonance frequency (highest frequency response) at 3,000hz and rolls off at a very steep 26db/octave on the high frequency side. Unfortunately, most tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, and most hearing loss and tinnitus is high frequency. Most maskers are limited to about 6khz of effective output. Higher frequency output results in increasing distortion, and may cause rejection of the device. The minimum masking level (MML) is the minimum amplitude of narrowband noise centered on the tinnitus pitch (or frequency range) necessary to completely mask the tinnitus. Tinnitus maskers are commonly used by tinnitus sufferers when
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