Effectiveness of tinnitus therapy using a mobile application | JoVE Visualize

Effectiveness of tinnitus therapy using a mobile application

Justyna Kutyba¹, Elżbieta Gos², Wiesław Wiktor Jędrzejczak²

¹World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mokra 17 Street, 05-830, Warsaw/Kajetany, Poland. j.kutyba@ifps.org.pl.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery|March 30, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study found that the ReSound Tinnitus Relief mobile app reduced tinnitus severity in patients over six months. Emotional distress related to tinnitus significantly improved, suggesting the app

Area of Science:

Audiology
Digital Health
Otology

Background:

Tinnitus prevalence is rising globally, increasing demand for accessible management strategies.
Mobile health applications offer a scalable solution for tinnitus therapy.
Evaluating the efficacy of mobile sound therapy apps is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the effectiveness of the ReSound Tinnitus Relief mobile application for tinnitus management.
To determine if mobile sound therapy can reduce subjective tinnitus severity.

Main Methods:

A study involving 52 hospitalized tinnitus patients using the ReSound Tinnitus Relief app for six months.
Participants used the sound therapy app for at least 30 minutes daily via loudspeaker.
Tinnitus severity was measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Functional Index questionnaires.

Main Results:

Significant reduction in tinnitus severity was observed after three and six months of app usage.
The most substantial improvements were noted in the emotional subscales of both questionnaires.
The ReSound Tinnitus Relief app demonstrated a positive impact on tinnitus-related emotional distress.

Conclusions:

The ReSound Tinnitus Relief mobile application shows potential for reducing tinnitus severity.
Further research is recommended to integrate such digital health technologies into clinical practice.
Mobile sound therapy apps may offer a valuable adjunctive treatment for tinnitus.