When it comes to the treatment of tinnitus, a combination of sound therapy and counseling have been the most effective ways to manage the effects of tinnitus on a person’s daily life. An app that can incorporate both of these treatment methods would be considered a helpful app for the management of tinnitus.
How can an app help with tinnitus?
Apps can be a helpful tool for managing tinnitus either as a standalone option for managing tinnitus, or in conjunction with one-on-one tinnitus-trained audiologist coaching.
A tinnitus app that can address sound therapy and counseling, as well as some of the common things people with tinnitus struggle with, is going to be the most helpful and comprehensive. Some of the more common things that need to be addressed with tinnitus can include:
- sleep problems
- anxiety or difficulty relaxing
- sensitivity to loud sounds
- avoidance of environments or activities
- Negative thought patterns
Below is a list of some of the best apps for tinnitus.
Free Tinnitus Apps
The free tinnitus apps are not comprehensive tinnitus apps, but instead focus on something that is beneficial for many people with tinnitus, such as sound therapy, meditation and relaxation or sleep strategies. If you experience mild tinnitus that is not significantly bothersome, a simple free app like one of these listed below may be helpful for you.
Best Free Sound Therapy Apps for Tinnitus
- myNoise is a free app that allows you to create custom soundscapes to mask the sound of tinnitus.
- NatureSpace is a mobile app that offers a large collection of high-quality, immersive nature sounds and recordings, allowing users to experience the calming and therapeutic effects of nature, promoting relaxation and stress relief
- Relax Melodies is an app that offers a variety of relaxing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and music, that can help mask the sound of tinnitus.
Best Free Relaxation Apps for Tinnitus
- Breathwrk is an app designed to guide users through various breathing exercises and techniques, aiming to promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. With a range of customizable breathing exercises, Breathwrk helps users harness the power of their breath to achieve a state of calm and balance.
- Calm is a popular meditation app that offers a variety of guided meditations and relaxation exercises that can help with tinnitus.
- Insight Timer is another popular meditation app that offers a variety of guided meditations and relaxation exercises that can help with tinnitus.
- Buddhify is a meditation app that is specifically designed for people who are new to meditation. It offers a variety of short, guided meditations that can be done anywhere.
Best Free Sleep Therapy Apps for Tinnitus
- SleepStream 2 Pro is an app that offers a variety of relaxing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and music, that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Better Sleep app provides a huge selection of nature sounds, relaxing music, sleep stories, and sleep meditations to lull you to sleep. It also has a sleep tracker and smart alarm to help with a more refreshing wake up.
Pros of Tinnitus Apps
When it comes to using an app to help with tinnitus, there are some benefits.
Sound therapy
Tinnitus apps often provide various sound options such as white noise, nature sounds, or calming melodies that can help mask or distract from the ringing or buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus. This can provide temporary relief and make it easier to focus on daily activities.
Accessibility
Mobile apps are easily accessible and can be used anytime and anywhere, which can be beneficial for individuals who need immediate relief or who want to manage their tinnitus discreetly.
Customization
Some apps may offer customization options, allowing users to personalize the sound therapy according to their preferences. This flexibility can be helpful for finding the most effective sound combination that works for an individual’s specific tinnitus symptoms.
Education and support
Many tinnitus apps provide educational resources, tips, and support for individuals coping with tinnitus. This can help users understand the condition better, learn coping strategies, and connect with a community of people who share similar experiences.
Cons of Tinnitus Apps
While the use of an app to help tinnitus can have its benefits, it can also have its drawbacks.
Limited effectiveness
Tinnitus apps may not work for everyone, as the underlying causes and individual experiences of tinnitus can vary greatly.
Lack of medical supervision
Apps are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Using an app for tinnitus management should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Reliance on technology
Depending solely on an app for tinnitus management may create a dependency on technology, which can be limiting if the app is not available or if the user does not have access to a smartphone or other devices. It’s important to develop coping strategies that extend beyond the use of an app.
It’s crucial to remember that the effectiveness of specific tinnitus apps can vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing tinnitus.
How to choose the right app for you
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for tinnitus. What works for one person may not work for another. It is important to try out a few different apps and see what works best for you. You can also talk to an audiologist to get a personalized recommendation.
Consider your needs
If your tinnitus is negatively effecting your quality of life, then considering a more comprehensive tinnitus app is going to be more beneficial. However, if your tinnitus is effecting only one aspect of your life, such as sleep quality, then a free sleep strategy app may be all you need.
Read the reviews
Based on the extensive research we have done at Dr. Hearing Loss, including speaking with many of the app founders or researchers, the apps above are what we recommend if this is your chosen method for managing your tinnitus. However, it may be beneficial to read the app reviews from users themselves before investing a lot of money into the app.
Try out a few different apps
The paid apps have free trials so it would be helpful to try out a few and see which one is most helpful for you. Once you have found your favorite, it is recommended to stick with one for at least 2 months.
Get an audiologist’s recommendation
If you would rather have a tinnitus specialist recommend which app is going to be most beneficial for you based on your specific tinnitus needs, schedule a free tinnitus consult with me using the link below and I would be happy to learn more about your tinnitus and give you a personalized recommendation.
Sign up for your free 15 minute tinnitus consult with Dr. Lindsey Banks using the button below. I look forward to talking to you and helping you overcome your tinnitus.
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