For some, tinnitus is a mild annoyance. For others, it’s a constant intrusion on daily life. While there’s no cure, relief is possible—especially with the right technology. One of the most effective tools in tinnitus management today is the use of tinnitus relief apps, especially when paired with hearing aids. Apps like ReSound Relief, Starkey Relax, and Phonak Balance offer science-backed ways to ease the burden of tinnitus through personalized sound therapy, progress tracking, and more.
Let’s explore eight compelling reasons why these apps are worth using, and how they integrate with hearing aids to make a difference.
1. Personalized Sound Therapy Tailored to You
Tinnitus is personal. No two people experience it the same way. That’s why personalized sound therapy is so effective. Tinnitus apps let you choose from a variety of sounds, including:
- White, pink, or brown noise
- Ocean waves, rainfall, forest ambiance
- Soft tones or instrumental music
You can mix and match sounds, adjust volume, and save your favorites. This lets you create a calming sound environment that meets your specific needs. When used with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, those sounds stream directly into your ears, making the experience seamless and more effective.
ReSound Relief, for example, lets users blend up to five different sounds into a custom soundscape. Starkey Relax offers similar tools, with relaxing tones designed specifically to promote habituation. Phonak Balance uses broadband noise for masking and soothing tonal stimulation.
2. Helps Reduce Perception Through Masking and Distraction
When you’re in a quiet environment, your brain tends to focus more on internal noises—like tinnitus. That’s where masking comes in. By introducing external sounds, tinnitus apps help you shift attention away from the ringing or buzzing.
This principle, called auditory distraction, is at the core of tinnitus sound therapy. It doesn’t remove the tinnitus. Instead, it gives your brain something else to focus on.
Over time, this helps you become less reactive to the tinnitus and more engaged with the world around you. The ability to stream those sounds directly to your hearing aids means you’re never far from comfort—even in a meeting, on a walk, or trying to fall asleep.
3. Enables Long-Term Habituation Through Daily Use
Tinnitus apps are designed for consistent, daily use—and that’s a good thing. The goal of sound therapy isn’t just immediate relief. It’s long-term habituation.
When you use sound therapy regularly, your brain gradually learns to classify tinnitus as a non-threatening noise. This process helps reduce emotional reactions, like anxiety or frustration.
The ReSound Relief app includes a feature called MyRelief, which tracks daily usage and offers reminders to build a routine. Phonak and Starkey apps include similar logging and goal-setting features. These tools give you both structure and motivation, helping you build healthier habits over time.
A clinical study of the ReSound Relief app found that after six months of daily use, patients experienced a measurable reduction in tinnitus severity, especially in emotional distress subscales. See the study here.
4. Delivers Therapy Through Your Hearing Aids
Around 80% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. That’s why hearing aids often play a central role in tinnitus management.
Modern hearing aids don’t just amplify external sounds. Many include built-in tinnitus relief programs. When paired with tinnitus apps, these devices can stream therapeutic sounds directly into your ears without interfering with your hearing experience.
This integration means:
- You don’t need a separate device for sound therapy
- You can use relief features discreetly and comfortably
- The sound adjusts dynamically based on your environment
Starkey, Phonak, and ReSound all offer hearing aids with tinnitus programs. Combined with their apps, these systems offer complete tinnitus relief packages that travel with you.
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5. Tracks Your Progress and Adjusts to Your Needs
Managing tinnitus is not a one-time fix. It’s an evolving process. Tinnitus apps help you stay on track by offering features like:
- Daily usage logs
- Custom therapy plans
- Progress dashboards
- Adjustable soundscapes based on feedback
These tools allow you to see what works, what doesn’t, and how your tolerance improves over time. When paired with your hearing care provider, these insights can help fine-tune your hearing aids or update your sound therapy plan.
Having that kind of control at your fingertips gives you confidence. You can see that relief isn’t just possible—it’s measurable.
6. Provides Educational Resources and Coping Tools
Knowledge is powerful. Most tinnitus apps include educational content that helps users:
- Understand the causes of tinnitus
- Identify triggers (like stress or caffeine)
- Learn coping techniques
- Practice relaxation or mindfulness
ReSound Relief includes built-in articles and videos on tinnitus management. Starkey and Phonak offer similar content, accessible directly from the app. These materials reinforce healthy habits and empower you to take control of your condition.
7. Supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective long-term treatments for tinnitus distress. While full CBT programs require professional guidance, some tinnitus apps include elements of CBT for daily support.
This includes:
- Guided breathing exercises
- Journaling prompts
- Calming visualizations
- Stress management techniques
These features help reduce emotional reactions and improve your overall resilience. They are especially useful when paired with sound therapy and hearing aid amplification.
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8. Backed by Science and Real-World Results
It’s not just theory. Multiple clinical studies show that tinnitus apps work. In one study, patients using the ReSound Relief app for six months reported a significant reduction in tinnitus distress. See the full study.
Another study found that using hearing aids alone also reduced tinnitus severity—especially when paired with apps that deliver sound therapy. Learn more here.
The best outcomes occurred when patients used both technologies together: hearing aids for amplification and tinnitus apps for therapy.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can result from many underlying conditions. Common causes include:
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
- Earwax blockages
- Head or neck injuries
- Certain medications (like NSAIDs or antibiotics)
- Ear infections or Meniere’s disease
In many cases, tinnitus is related to damage in the auditory system. This is why hearing aids often help—they restore sound input, reduce contrast, and shift attention away from internal sounds.
If you experience tinnitus, it’s important to consult with a hearing care provider. A proper diagnosis can rule out medical conditions and guide the right treatment plan.
Other Forms of Tinnitus Relief
Apps and hearing aids are powerful tools, but they aren’t the only options. A comprehensive tinnitus management strategy may also include:
Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients reframe their emotional response to tinnitus. It reduces anxiety and improves quality of life.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines counseling with sound therapy to promote habituation. It’s a long-term, structured approach to relief.
Stress Management and Lifestyle Changes
Stress often worsens tinnitus. Mindfulness, meditation, and healthy sleep routines can help ease symptoms.
Medication or Supplements
While no drugs cure tinnitus, some medications can help reduce symptoms in certain cases. Always consult a doctor first.
Hearing aids remain one of the most accessible and effective ways to manage both hearing loss and tinnitus together, especially when combined with apps.
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Tinnitus Relief Is Within Reach
Tinnitus doesn’t have to control your life. With modern hearing aids and tinnitus apps like ReSound Relief, Starkey Relax, or Phonak Balance, real relief is possible.
These tools work together to mask the sound, reduce emotional impact, support brain retraining, and track your progress. You don’t need to navigate tinnitus alone.
Talk to your hearing care provider about whether your hearing aids support tinnitus programs. If they do, pairing them with the right app might be the simplest, most effective step you can take.
It’s not about hiding the sound. It’s about taking back control—one soundscape at a time.
Ready to take control of your tinnitus? Contact American Hearing + Audiology today and ask how a tinnitus app can enhance your hearing aid experience. Relief starts with one conversation.
