Tinnitus affects approximately 10 to 25% of adults. While the internal ringing doesn’t have a cure, you can manage it with sound therapy, counseling and relaxation techniques. Tinnitus apps are effective tools that bring these management techniques right to your fingertips. Let’s take a look at a few of the available options.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy works by drowning out the internal ringing with a soothing external sound. Because your brain can only focus on one sound at a time, the presence of the calming noise distracts it from tinnitus.
Search “sound therapy” in your app store. You’ll see some options that provide white noise, and others focus on nature sounds. Try a few top-rated options until you find one that works for you.
Sleep Apps
Many find that tinnitus sounds louder while they’re trying to fall asleep. A sleep app will help rock you to sleep with calming stories or soothing music. Remember, you’re never too old for a bedtime story, especially if it helps you ignore that internal ringing.
Stress & Anxiety Apps
A 2023 review found that stress could develop or worsen tinnitus. Unfortunately, tinnitus can also cause stress. Downloading a stress relief app can help you break free from that cycle. There are a few different types of stress relief apps:
- Meditation
- General counseling
- Games
These apps are a great introduction to stress relief. However, if tinnitus is causing depression, anxiety or significant distress, seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you work through the negative emotions associated with tinnitus and teach you tools to divert them. One of the most common therapeutic methods for managing tinnitus is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you how to reframe negative thought patterns.
Music
While not a tinnitus app specifically, music can help people concentrate and destress. In fact, a small 2013 study reported that music had a positive impact on the autonomic nervous system (which controls unconscious tasks like heartbeat and breathing). Though it was to a lesser degree, it also positively affected the endocrine system (which controls hormone release) and psychological stress response. While the study stressed the need for further research, it does highlight the power of music as a stress-relief tool. Try it out by listening to some of your favorite music while walking around your neighborhood or hanging out in Lake Accotink Park. Just remember to keep the volume relatively low to protect your ears.
Schedule a Tinnitus Evaluation
Our specialists can go over your symptoms and the possible causes of your tinnitus to help you find the best management tools—whether apps, hearing aids or counseling. Contact ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia to schedule your evaluation today.