New audio app claims to treat hearing disorder

New York: A new web-based app claims to treat Tinnitus -- the condition that causes ringing in the ears.

Tinnitus is mainly triggered by age-related hearing loss and prolonged exposure to excessively loud noise, but it originates in the brain.

The new app, called Tinnitracks, claims to treat the cause of the problem through filtered audio therapy, Engadget reported.

The premise of the app, from German start-up Sonormed, is neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to adapt and constantly learn new things.

The app analyses individual tracks and filters the frequency that causes tinnitus for each user.

On playback, the listener's hearing adapts to the audible alteration and over time the hyperactivity in the brain is toned down.

Essentially, it takes three steps: select music files from personal collection, filter tinnitus frequency and upload a personalised track to an MP3 player to start therapy.

Tinnitracks was one of the nine winners at SXSW's Accelerator start-up competition held recently in Austin, Texas.

The therapy breaks ground by going a step beyond conventional methods of managing symptoms and effectively treats the condition that affects 50 million Americans.

The prescribed music listening experience is one to two hours a day for at least six months.

With consistent effort, the therapy could treat subjective, tonal and even chronic conditions.