Approximately 10% of Americans have experienced tinnitus lasting five minutes or longer in the past year. Tinnitus is the presence of ringing or buzzing in one or both ears when no sound is present. It can cause stress, negatively impact quality of life and often leaves those with chronic tinnitus searching for relief.
Although there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, various strategies exist to alleviate its symptoms, including innovative smartphone apps developed for this purpose. Previously, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) delivered through chatbot applications has been effective in lessening the symptoms of tinnitus, prompting the exploration of additional app-based solutions for symptom management.
Leveraging Apps for Tinnitus Management
Smartphones offer those with tinnitus a new avenue to manage their symptoms via apps. These apps are designed to fulfill several functions:
- Sound masking: Applications such as myNoise and Naturespace utilize a range of background sounds to obscure the tinnitus noise. By offering sounds from nature or various experimental audios, these apps aim to provide temporary relief, which may aid with sleep and focus.
- Relaxation and meditation: Given that stress can exacerbate tinnitus, certain apps offer guided meditation, breathing exercises or even bedtime stories to facilitate relaxation. Apps like Insight Timer, Breathwrk, Prana Breath and Waking Up are notable examples.
- Educational and personalized therapy: Apps like MindEar combine sound therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy, developed by experts in audiology and psychology. These apps employ evidence-based techniques to assist users in adjusting their thoughts in response to tinnitus.
- Hearing improvement: Apps such as AudioCardio are akin to physical therapy for your hearing, where enhancing hearing can beneficially impact tinnitus symptoms.
Apps And Hearing Aids
Beyond apps, hearing aids are a vital tool for managing tinnitus, especially for those with hearing loss. Many contemporary hearing aids are equipped with tinnitus masking features, producing sounds to camouflage tinnitus noise. When used alongside smartphone apps, this combination provides a convenient approach to symptom management. The apps can transmit therapeutic sounds directly to the hearing aids, enabling both relief from tinnitus and hearing enhancement.
By adopting these technological innovations, people affected by tinnitus can achieve a degree of relief and empowerment over their condition, leading to a more serene and concentrated mental state while with loved ones at Sugar and Spice Café.
To explore options for managing your tinnitus or to assess your hearing, contact Rancho Santa Fe Audiology to schedule an appointment today.
