Dimming The Din With Tech: The Best Apps & Devices For Tinnitus Management

December 29, 2020

Just as there’s no cure for diabetes, the constant hearing of phantom noises (ringing, buzzing, hissing, etc., or combinations thereof) known as tinnitus can only be managed. And just as technology and smart phone apps has made managing diabetes far easier than just a mere decade ago, gadgets and gizmos can mean the difference between a debilitating tinnitus episode or mild, slightly annoying one.

An article on Techradar.com highlights some of the best apps and devices for managing tinnitus. We’ve trimmed the fat from the article and rehashed some of the best tinnitus-relieving devices.

Keep in mind most tinnitus apps focus on the concept of masking, or diminishing the din of tinnitus. Masking sounds are ambient in nature (think: a babbling brook, chirping birds, ethereal sounds, etc), and can be especially beneficial during periods of stress, which tends to exacerbate tinnitus.

So without further ado, here are Techradar.com’s preferred tinnitus management apps:

Oto

Introduced early in 2020, Oto offers more than just pleasant ambient and so-called ‘violet noise,’ with helps alter the pitch of unwanted tinnitus noises. Oto also offers different levels of advice on living with tinnitus. The app has an initial, free Foundation course.

A paid membership offers more management techniques. TechRadar.com says the app is well presented and establishes an important theme, regaining control over the noise. However, one negative about the app is that the paid membership is not prominently mentioned at first.

All in all, though, Oto seems to be a valuable resource, as it also emphasizes wellbeing exercises that have a proven track record of managing tinnitus. Like anything else in life, you’ll get out of it what you put into it.

ReSound Relief

Although not as aesthetically-pleasing as Oto, RsSound offers more tools than Oto in terms of different options to manage tinnitus. Like Oto, the paid version unlocks access to advanced functions. But to be sure, even the free version will prove to be valuable.

YouTube

YouTube isn’t a tinnitus app in the true sense, but if you type into the search bar, “sounds to mask tinnitus” you’ll find a plethora of sound therapy videos.

Sound Oasis

Available at drug stores like CVS, the Bluetooth Tinnitus Sound Therapy System machine by Sound Oasis costs only $40 and includes a high quality, compact speaker that plays several different effective tinnitus management sounds. The system also includes a custom mix of up to 24 of Sound Oasis’ expertly crafted sleep and relaxation sounds that can be downloaded to an SD card.

Whichever sound you choose can be played for up to 8 hours, and can be listened via your smartphone, iPad, or any other bluetooth-enabled device.
Sound Oasis offers more tinnitus management devices, such as sound pillows.