The Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application for Tinnitus Relief

Hye Yoon Seol, Mini Jo, Il Joon Moon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: There has been a growing interest in the provision of smartphone- or internet-based tinnitus management. Studies have shown a positive impact of the smartphone applications on tinnitus symptoms. However, research into a relatively long-term effect of these applications on tinnitus relief as well as sound preferences has been sparse. This study explored the potential benefit of a tinnitus application in tinnitus relief over a period of six months. Methods: Twenty-two participants with subjective tinnitus were enrolled in the study. Puretone audiometry, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, stress assessment, and questionnaires were completed at the initial visit and three and six months after the first visit. The participants used the tinnitus application for six months. Results: A significant reduction in subjective tinnitus loudness and annoyance and subjective stress level was observed. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores were also significantly decreased after six months. The participants also reported high satisfaction with the application. Music and environmental sounds were the most preferred sound stimuli. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate the potential benefit of the tinnitus application for tinnitus improvement.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2368
JournalHealthcare (Switzerland)
Volume11
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by the authors.

Keywords

  • audiology
  • smartphone application
  • tinnitus

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Effectiveness of a Smartphone Application for Tinnitus Relief'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this