Tinnitus is a condition that affects 10-15% of the adult population. There is a strong link between tinnitus and hearing loss. Four out of five people who live with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Whilst there is no proven cure for tinnitus, there are many proven management strategies to help you manage your tinnitus. Central to many tinnitus management strategies is the use of sound. Sound is used in a therapeutic way to shift your attention away from your tinnitus. Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) is one such strategy developed by the US Veterans Administration.
The Phonak Tinnitus Balance app helps you manage your PTM sound plan. You can select sounds from your SmartPhone’s music library or there is a list of default sounds. You can rate the effectiveness of each sound in achieving its desired effect (soothing, background or interesting) and the overall ratings can be reviewed with your hearing care professional to reach your optimal sound plan. There is a timer for use when falling asleep and if you use Phonak hearing aids, you can stream your sounds over Bluetooth via Phonak ComPilot directly to your ears.
This app is intended to be part of a personalized tinnitus management program provided by a hearing care professional familiar with the diagnosis and management of tinnitus.