Yeah, I think that most tinnitus sufferers know that being in the shower helps "wash" the tinnitus away.  I have seen jokes on other tinnitus boards about how an inventor of a "shower cap", a hat or cap that plays shower noise, would make a lot of money.  

I believe that it is just basic masking that is taking place.  Stress reduction could play a small part too.

from what yous are saying, i'm going to to go with the idea that the "ring free" effect in the shower is caused by both basic masking along with a splash of stress reduction also.  but i am curious as to why the shower masks the ringing so well, while other things such as music or tv or anything else for that matter simply do not.  katienyc i am from queens and am currently on long island.  definitely relish when theres nobody yakking in my ears.  i don't like yakkers & tend to just space out when i'm around one.  just saw TSO at radio city not too long ago.  i love my music loud too. i take ambien to help me sleep, but i'm afraid thats a whole different post.  use whatever works for you...cotton, plugs, headphones.  mr. anonymous i appreciate your input.  i am fairly new at this online posting thing but i can guarantee you i will check out some other tinnitus boards for more advice.  hope you all had a nice holiday and good luck with this...