Smartphone App Delivers Effective Tinnitus Relief Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Study Finds

A recent publication in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology reveals a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, which demonstrates the efficacy of a new smartphone app in reducing the distress of tinnitus. This condition, characterized by hearing sound when no external sound is present, often leads to significant psychological strain, including anxiety and depression. The application, named MindEar, utilizes a chatbot to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), making therapeutic support more accessible to those suffering from this often debilitating condition.

The study involved 28 adult participants who suffer from tinnitus. They were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of two treatment modalities: one group used the MindEar app alone, and the other, a hybrid group, supplemented the app with video consultations with a clinical psychologist. Over the course of eight weeks, participants engaged with the MindEar app for ten minutes daily. The hybrid group also had four 30-minute video calls with a psychologist. The effectiveness of these interventions was primarily measured using the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), with additional assessments for anxiety, depression, and hyperacusis (a reduced tolerance to sound).

Results from the trial indicated significant improvements across both groups, with the hybrid group showing more rapid benefits, which aligned with the app-only group at a 16-week follow-up. The most notable improvements were observed in the relaxation, emotional well-being, sense of control, and sleep quality of participants. Although there was no significant impact on hyperacusis, the overall reduction in tinnitus severity and the associated psychological symptoms highlight the potential of integrated CBT platforms delivered through technology.

MindEar combines traditional CBT techniques, elements of mindfulness-based CBT, and sound therapy to train users’ brains to diminish the perception of tinnitus. Additional features of the app include soundscapes, podcasts, guided relaxation exercises, and breathing techniques, designed to help manage the condition. Available for both Apple and Android devices, MindEar is currently accessible in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and a few other countries, with plans for further expansion.

This study underscores the potential of digital health interventions to provide effective, scalable solutions for managing conditions like tinnitus, particularly in regions where access to specialized psychological services may be limited or cost-prohibitive.