A new app helps train people’s brains to “tune out” tinnitus.
MindEar may reduce the debilitating impact within months.
It uses cognitive behavioural and sound therapy, mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
Experts from universities in Australia, Belgium, France and New Zealand, hope their app can provide relief to as many as one in four
who suffer from the condition.
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing that comes from inside ears.
It often stems from being exposed to loud noises and hearing loss and is mostly experienced by older adults.
It is a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as damage to the auditory system or tension in the head and neck.
It can harm sleep, hearing, mood and concentration and cause anxiety and depression. About four million in the UK have severe tinnitus.
Dr Fabrice Bardy, of the University of Auckland, said: “Two thirds of users of our app improved after 16 weeks.”
