Tinnitus, characterized by hearing non-existent sounds like ringing or buzzing, affects approximately 10% of Americans for at least five minutes each year. Despite the lack of a cure, various strategies, especially smartphone apps, have been developed to alleviate its symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through chatbot apps has also shown promise in reducing the impact of tinnitus, leading to curiosity about other potential app-based aids.
Smartphone Apps: Aiding Tinnitus Management
A wide array of smartphone applications has emerged as valuable tools in the management of tinnitus symptoms, each offering unique functionalities:
- Sound masking: Applications such as myNoise and Naturespace create ambient sounds to drown out tinnitus noises, offering users nature and experimental sounds for temporary respite, facilitating sleep and concentration.
- Relaxation and meditation: Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, prompting the inclusion of relaxation techniques like guided meditations, breathing exercises and bedtime stories in some apps, including Insight Timer, Breathwrk, Prana Breath and Waking Up.
- Educational and personalized therapy: MindEar, for instance, combines sound therapy with CBT, curated by audiologists and psychologists, to equip users with strategies for managing their tinnitus perception using scientifically supported methods.
- Hearing improvement: AudioCardio acts as a form of physical therapy for the ears, with the enhancement of hearing capabilities positively influencing tinnitus symptoms.
Beyond apps, hearing aids play an integral role in managing tinnitus, especially beneficial for individuals with hearing loss. Many contemporary hearing aids feature tinnitus masking sounds, which, when used in conjunction with smartphone apps, offer a comprehensive approach to symptom management. These apps can feed therapeutic sounds directly into the hearing aids, thus providing both relief from tinnitus and an enhancement of hearing.
For those dealing with both tinnitus and hearing loss, the integration of modern hearing aids with these specialized apps can lead to a more holistic management approach. Leveraging such technological advancements allows individuals with tinnitus to experience significant relief and regain control over their symptoms, leading towards a calmer and more concentrated lifestyle.
For additional details on managing tinnitus or to explore hearing loss solutions, reach out to the The ENT Center of New Braunfels to schedule an appointment.
