Widex have just recently released their free brand-new Zen app on iOS and Android to help people cope with tinnitus. This excellent app features four easy-to-navigate modes that you can flit between at the push of a button, including ‘sounds’, ‘relaxation’, ‘sleep’ and ‘learn’. These all fall under the broad rubric of an additional four tinnitus management areas, such as counselling, amplification, fractal zones and relaxation.
Sounds
A whole host of ambient sounds from forest winds to summer rains – each adjustable as per your precise tastes – the sounds section is an excellent choice for when you just want to unwind in peace and take your mind away from your tinnitus. In addition, the sounds section also boasts a unique type of sound that cannot be found elsewhere: fractal tones. These are specially designed compound noises specifically created to ease tinnitus suffering, e.g. light music played in harmony with the sounds of a waterfall.
Relaxation
This guided section of the app features an in-depth discussion of the varying types of relaxation technique, from deep breathing exercises to progressive muscle relaxation to guided imagery. Each different approach helps reduce stress, build confidence and enable you to deal with your tinnitus more affectively.
Sleep
The sleep section contains some excellent advice on what you should do in order to get the most out of your sleeping habits, including some great tips on encouraging a good night’s rest through the ind-depth narrated sleep exercise segment, as well as a discussion on what’s best avoided. What’s more, it’s also possible to place a timer on the sounds app to get that bit of extra background noise to help you drift off.
Learn
In this segment it’s possible to learn some interesting background information regarding tinnitus, including the causes, common issues that tinnitus sufferers face, how best to deal with it and a whole lot more. Furthermore, the learn section is also a great way to get in touch with a dedicated counsellor, and has connections from across the country.
All in all, the WIDEX Zen Tinnitus Management app is an exceptional tool for those of us who suffer with tinnitus. It’s also completely free, and can be used even if you don’t have a WIDEX-branded hearing aid. Simply download it from either Google Play or the Apple Store, make sure to read the full disclaimer before hitting ‘accept’ and you can have that extra peace of mind today.
