English

There’s a new app that help people with Tinnitus 

It’s called T-Minus and will assist the conditions and offer specific information.  

Words: HERNÁN PANDELO

A new sound therapy app, T-Minus, has been launched on Apple’s App Store to help people who suffer from tinnitus. Specialists say that one in seven people worldwide will suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at some point with several artists with thelikes of Eats Everything, Carl Craig and Bicep’s Matt McBriar among the high profile dance music names with the hearing condition.

Defined by a persistent internal noise often described as a humming, whistling or whooshing sound, due to the highly intrusive nature it has been linked with mental health issues and sleep deprivationa. A lack of medical research means many struggle to find any relief, and there is currently no scientifically validated cure.

T-Minus works to alleviate symptoms by offering users a sound therapy library created with long-term use in mind. Audio and masking controls can be personalised to individual experiences, with frequencies designed to combat the full spectrum of associated noises.

This is supplemented by daily news and links related to tinnitus, advice on managing the condition and inspirational quotes. A comprehensive, curated FAQ section is available to answer the most common queries from the perspective of audiologists and ear consultants.

 

WAYS TO PREVENT TINNITUS

•Protect your ears! Ear-plugs are so easy to find and you don’t have to pay lots of money for the moulded ones. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re DJing, but you do become accustomed to them and should be used as often as possible.

•Be aware of how loud you have your monitors, headphones and speakers etc. Try not to put your ears under any unnecessary stress.

•Lifestyle and diet play a role in tinnitus. Too much caffeine, alcohol and drugs all raise your adrenaline levels and therefore potentially make you more sensitive to tinnitus.

•Tinnitus commonly appears after an intense or long-term period of exertion, excitement, stress, challenge or change. Consequently, most people start noticing symptoms after a period of stress, losing a loved one, an accident, an operation, taking drugs or listening to loud music over long periods. Bare this in mind if you notice the symptoms, and don’t panic.

•Most importantly, get your ears tested regularly. You may have some hearing damage (in which case hearing aids/ audiologists can help), or you may have build-up of excess wax which could need removing. Over-excessive wax can also cause your ears to ring louder. Don’t wax your own ears with hopi candles or by sticking anything in them. That can just make things worse. Use olive oil drops (or the stuff you can buy) over a week or so and the wax will excrete naturally. Bare in mind wax is vital for your ears and is usually fine left alone.