It can be greatly distressing when tinnitus first presents itself. This may be expressed as sleepless nights, concentration difficulties, tension, irritability and restlessness. The resulting stress could result in an even greater focus on the tinnitus. In my experience, the sooner you can break this vicious cycle, the better. Your tinnitus will bother you less, and the symptoms will recede and may even disappear.

Tinnitus relief is an app designed for anyone suffering from tinnitus.

Tinnitus relief contains a fact sheet describing what tinnitus is, how common it is, possible causes and what might make the condition worse. The mechanisms behind hypersensitivity to sound are also explained. It provides exercises and advice to help you cope with your tinnitus in the best possible way.

Tinnitus relief will also provide relief for anyone with a history of tinnitus, but where the situation has become more troublesome for some reason. In addition, you can apply the measures in this app in preventive manner, to protect against hearing loss and tinnitus.

The app includes guided exercises you can use straight away:

• A 6-minute relaxation exercise
• A 25-minute body scan, which is an exercise in mindfulness that also provides relaxation
• A 12-minute “sleep ease” exercise that will help you settle down and sleep.

The more you do the Tinnitus Relief exercises, the easier you will find it to relax, and your tension and anxiety will recede. You will be able to concentrate better and a serene, positive mindset can take root.

Tinnitus relief is conceptualized by Helena Löwen-Åberg, certified physiotherapist with a Masters degree. In addition to specialist competence in the areas of psychiatry and psychosomatics, she is a cognitive behavioural therapist, a professional supervisor and a mindfulness instructor.

Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Ms. Löwen-Åberg deals with stress-related conditions such as tension-related disorders, tinnitus, vertigo, anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders.

She has extensive experience of teaching relaxation and stress management with a cognitive approach. And gives mindfulness classes, as well as other wellness seminars and lectures.

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I would like to express my gratitude towards everyone involved in the development of this app and the people who helped me by researching facts and proofreading.

In particular, I would like to thank Inger Pringle, Registered Nurse/Tinnitus therapist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital; Dr. Dan Hasson, at Karolinska Institute; Dr. Lena Folkestad, MD, PhD, at the ENT Clinic in Borås; and Christer Borg, certified psychologist and psychotherapist in Gothenburg.

In addition, I would like to acknowledge my colleagues and former supervisors Dr. Kajsa-Mia Holgers, MD, Medical Advisor for the region of Västra Götaland; and Barbro Källén, certified physiotherapist and occupational therapist at Fungera Göteborg AB.

In connection with the English version, Anja Bergh translated the exercises and that’s her voice you hear, while Ingrid Eng translated and edited the written material – thank you both.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all the patients I’ve had down through the years for teaching me what it is like to have
tinnitus.

Helena Löwen-Åberg