title: [Examination of signals for tinnitus sound therapy. Effects of signal dynamics on sound acceptance and tinnitus masking].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In terms of sound acceptance and tinnitus-masking efficacy, tinnitus sound therapy appears to be more effective using dynamic natural sounds than static noise signals. The aim of this study was to systematically determine the effects of physical dynamics parameters on tinnitus masking and sound acceptance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on a dynamic model, noise signals with different dynamic properties were synthesized and used to investigate minimal masking levels (MMLs) and spontaneous sound acceptance in six tinnitus patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High signal dynamics resulted in high MMLs and low sound acceptance. In some instances, low signal dynamics gave rise to slightly lower MMLs than white noise. Despite unfavourable MMLs, natural dynamic sounds were better accepted than synthesized sounds with comparable dynamics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The higher spontaneous acceptance of natural sounds as compared to white noise appears not to be due solely to physical sound properties, but rather to result primarily from psychological factors. It may be possible to improve sound acceptance in tinnitus sound therapy by using signals with low amounts of dynamics and implementing the use of natural sounds.
authors.affiliation: Jean-Uhrmacher-Institut für klinische HNO-Forschung, Universität zu Köln, Geibelstr. 29-31, 50931, Köln, Deutschland. stefan.schreitmueller@uk-koeln.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schreitmüller
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: von Wedel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walger
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meister
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D013018:Sound Spectrography; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*