Smartphone Apps for Tinnitus Management

Abstract

A recent consumer survey by Deloitte reported that smartphone adoption rates are nearing their peak, with as close to nine in 10 adults (aged 18-75 years) having a smartphone that can support mobile applications (apps).1 Ninety-five percent of smartphone owners use their device every day, and smartphones have become the preferred device of the majority of users for activities such as online searching, watching and recording videos, checking bank balances, checking social networks, reading the news, playing games, making online voice calls, and taking photos. Mobile technology including smartphones also provides a medium through which people can access health-related information, e.g., tinnitus management options.Shutterstock, hearing loss, tinnitus, mobile health, telehealth.Figure 1: Main components of tinnitus management mobile apps. Hearing loss, tinnitus, mobile health, telehealthTable 1: Mobile App Rating Scale Mean Scores of 10 Most Commonly Used Apps for Tinnitus Management. Hearing loss, tinnitus, mobile health, telehealth.To date, no research has looked specifically at the use of mobile apps for tinnitus management. Paglialonga and colleagues2 identified and assessed apps for hearing science and care in general (available on the leading platforms: iOS, Android, and Windows Phone stores). Tinnitus apps identified fell into two categories: (1) screening and assessment (estimation of tinnitus pitch and loudness) and (2) intervention and rehabilitation (tinnitus management tools such as maskers and sound stimulation). A search for tinnitus apps in the Google Play Store returned a list of almost 250 paid and free apps. While some of these apps have been specifically developed for tinnitus, others have been developed for other problems such as sleep, relaxation, and general well-being. Despite the increasing popularity of apps in general, it is unclear what proportion of people use apps for tinnitus management or which apps are the most popular. SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS ON APP USERS We conducted a web-based survey consisting of 33 questions about people's views on mobile apps used for tinnitus management, including reasons for use/non-use, important factors when choosing an app, names of preferred apps, perceived benefits for their tinnitus, and positive/negative aspects of the apps.3 A total of 643 people responded to the survey (289 women and 350 men; age range from below 18 to 75 years and over). Reasons for Non-Use. A majority of respondents (75%) had never used an app to manage their tinnitus. The main reason for non-use that respondents listed was lack of awareness of the existence of apps that might help their tinnitus (59%). Other reasons included not being good with technology (20%), not being able to find an app that they thought would be helpful for their tinnitus (13%), or not owning a mobile phone or tablet (12%). Apps for Tinnitus Management. A total of 120 respondents stated they had tried an app to help manage their tinnitus. A list of 55 apps was populated from their responses, indicating a large variability as to which apps individuals were using for their tinnitus. A list of the most popular apps is included in Table 1. Interestingly, the respondents’ most common reason for trying an app was to address sleep problems associated with tinnitus (23%). Other reasons included masking of the tinnitus sound (21%), following a recommendation (from a hearing professional, a family member, or people online; 20%), or to achieve more general goals such as tinnitus relief, find ways of managing their tinnitus, and cope with tinnitus (18%). Among the most commonly listed apps were those developed specifically for the management of tinnitus (Beltone Tinnitus Calmer, Oticon Tinnitus Sound, Tinntus Therapy Lite), those developed to address other problems but stated that they could also be applied to tinnitus (myNoise, White Noise Free), and those developed for other problems that did not mention tinnitus (Relaxed Melodies, Headspace, Sleep Bug, Sleep Pillow, Soothing Sounds Lite). Two listed apps (Beltone Tinnitus Calmer, Oticon Tinnitus Sound) were developed by hearing aid manufacturers. Instructions for these apps noted that they should be used as a part of a tinnitus management plan provided by hearing care professionals. Six main components of the apps were identified based on descriptions in the app stores (Apple, Google, Amazon): (1) sound generation/therapy, (2) meditation and mindfulness, (3) information and education, (4) hypnosis, (5) relaxation exercises, and (6) assessment (Fig.1). Important Factors When Choosing an App. Survey respondents noted ease of use (73%) as the most important factor to consider when choosing an app. Other commonly mentioned factors included a trustworthy source (44%), reviews (39%), and cost (39%). Interestingly, recommendation by a medical professional was further down the list, with only 25 percent of respondents listing it. QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF APPS Quality and functi