[Tinnitus-therapy by use of a tinnitus-masker (author's transl)].

Neither drugs, injections nor operative attempts tried in the past resulted in convincing success to relieve tinnitus. Since 1976 a hearing aid treatment was developed using the so called "Tinnitus-Masker". This kind of therapy and the following euphoria are reason for a thorough investigation and discussion of the possibilities and the possible success of tinnitus masking. After some general considerations on aetiology and tonotopy of tinnitus necessary aspects of tinnitus-specification (frequency, intensity, temporary threshold shift etc.) are introduced. These data contain basic information for a successful application of a Tinnitus-Masker. Different types of Tinnitus-Masker are presented and the results of several fittings are discussed including some patients with the residual inhibition effect.