Audio Video News

Can a Game App Offer Relief for Tinnitus?

SV Staff  |  Jan 18, 2019

Immersive Therapy thinks so. The French company has introduced a gaming app that it hopes will bring relief to the millions of Americans who suffer from tinnitus, an inner-ear condition typically characterized by a constant ringing in the ears.

Introduced last week at CES 2019, the app is called Diapason — a word with many music-related definitions including a swelling burst of harmony, standard musical pitch, or tuning fork — and was created under the supervision of Dr. Alain Londero, an ear/nose/throat specialist in France. The company describes the app as a “psychological therapy inspired by cognitive and behavioral therapies” that helps the user live better with tinnitus, eventually ceasing to perceive it.

The app first guides the user through a series of 3- to 5-minute activities to assess the level of tinnitus and its impact in daily life (frequency, moment of the day, degree of discomfort, etc.) and asks a series of questions to determine how the patient perceives his or her condition. It then provides therapy in the form of daily activities that “trigger the healing of the pathology autonomously.” The activities are in the form of “fun arcade games” and said to provide relief in just a few months when the therapy is practiced daily.

Diapason obtained medical device certification in France last September and is now available worldwide through the Apple Store and Google Play on a subscription basis for $149/year.

For a more detailed description of the app, visit en.diapason-app.com.

COMMENTS
Billy's picture
Submitted by Billy on January 21, 2019 - 9:11pm

Yep, it truly sucks, I developed it this year at the age of 58. Some days I can filter it out, some not, but the last thing I need is to spend 150 bucks with some silly app telling me to filter it out, I can distract myself for free. Problem is, not the hearing that is bad, supposedly the brain that is, otherwise a headphone noise canceler would work. (might even buy Bose to do that!) I find it amazing that we know so little about this. Here is an idea, instead of spending quadtrillions of dollars trying to give old men stiffies, how about working on a drug for this? Just an idea. It would be nice to be able to hear the dialogue in a TV show or movie. Also, Uncle Sam could spend his money a little more wisely in some many ways, pushing 5.7 billion to cure this might be a compromise that all sides would find politically good and well. Wall, no! Better hearing, yes!

Traveler's picture
Submitted by Traveler on January 23, 2019 - 9:34am

I've had T for over 10 years. There is no meaningful treatment. As for a game helping, well yes a really immersive game can act as a masker but that is all it can do.

Traveler's picture
Submitted by Traveler on January 23, 2019 - 9:34am

I've had T for over 10 years. There is no meaningful treatment. As for a game helping, well yes a really immersive game can act as a masker but that is all it can do.

voyapok860's picture
Submitted by voyapok860 on October 26, 2023 - 6:42am

I find it hard that a game app will be the solution. But you should also consult MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy in the matter. They have experienced professionals who might help you in the matter.

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