New game app helps against ringing in the ears

New game app helps against ringing in the ears

A Novel Approach to Tinnitus: Can Gaming Help?

Table of Contents

Tinnitus, the persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions worldwide. Traditional treatments often focus on masking the sound or addressing underlying medical conditions. However, a groundbreaking new approach is emerging, leveraging the power of video games to potentially revolutionize tinnitus management.

Exposure Therapy: A Proven Foundation

Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of tinnitus treatment, encouraging patients to gradually habituate to the sound. “The idea is to help the brain reprocess the tinnitus as a non-threatening noise,” says an expert in auditory therapy. “through repeated exposure in a controlled habitat, the brain learns to filter out the distress associated with the tinnitus.” While effective, traditional exposure therapy can be tedious and challenging for some.

Gamifying the Healing Process

A team of developers,led by Sophie Asveld,has created “Freequency,” an innovative app that transforms exposure therapy into an engaging and interactive game. “We wanted to make the treatment process more enjoyable and accessible,” explains Asveld. “By integrating gamification elements, we aim to motivate and empower patients to actively participate in thier healing journey.”

How the Game Works

“Freequency” utilizes binaural beats, specific audio frequencies said to influence brainwave patterns, to personalize the patient’s tinnitus experience. The game progresses through levels, gradually increasing the intensity of the sounds. Players earn points and unlock rewards as they successfully tolerate the tinnitus, making the process both rewarding and motivating.

Beyond Gaming: A Call to Action

The potential of “Freequency” extends beyond tinnitus treatment. Researchers are exploring its application in managing other auditory conditions and even addressing symptoms of stress and anxiety. This innovative approach underscores the transformative power of technology in healthcare.

Positive Early Feedback and Future Development

“Freequency” has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users who report experiencing reduced tinnitus distress and increased quality of life.Asveld and her team are continuously refining the app, incorporating user feedback and conducting further research to optimize its effectiveness.

Potential for Enhanced Therapy

As the field of neurotechnology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of gaming in healthcare. This approach offers a personalized, engaging, and potentially more effective alternative to traditional treatment methods, empowering patients to actively participate in their own healing.

Recognition and Cost

“Freequency” has garnered recognition from leading organizations in the field of auditory health. The app is currently available on both iOS and Android platforms at a reasonable cost, making it accessible to a wider audience.

What Makes Freequency Different from Customary Tinnitus Treatment Methods?

Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on compensating for or masking tinnitus, “freequency” directly addresses the underlying neural mechanisms that contribute to its perception. By engaging the brain in a positive and interactive way, the app aims to retrain its response to tinnitus, ultimately reducing its impact on patients’ lives.

A Novel Approach to Tinnitus: Can Gaming Help?

“freequency,” with its innovative approach to tinnitus treatment, offers a glimmer of hope for millions affected by this debilitating condition. The integration of gamification into therapy holds immense potential to not only improve treatment outcomes but also to change the way we perceive and manage health conditions in the digital age.

An Interview with Sophie asveld, Developer of the freequency App

Archyde recently had the opportunity to speak with Sophie Asveld, the developer of the “Freequency” app, about its origins, research, and future potential.

Archyde: Sophie,can you tell us about Freequency and how it addresses tinnitus?

“Freequency is a mobile app designed to help people manage tinnitus using exposure therapy and personalized binaural beats. The app turns the potentially tedious process of habituation into an engaging and interactive game.

Archyde: How does the game work, and what makes it different from traditional tinnitus treatment methods?

“Players gradually increase their exposure to tinnitus sounds through various levels, earning points and rewards for their progress.
The use of binaural beats, personalized to each user, is designed to influence brainwave patterns and promote a sense of relaxation.This gamified approach aims to make the process more enjoyable and motivating, increasing adherence to therapy.”

Archyde: What inspired you to develop Freequency, and what was the research process like?

“As someone who has experienced tinnitus firsthand, I was frustrated by the limited and often ineffective treatment options available. I wanted to create a more engaging and accessible solution that empowers patients to take an active role in managing their tinnitus. The research process involved extensive collaboration with audiologists, psychologists, and researchers specializing in tinnitus treatment. We conducted numerous studies and user tests to ensure the app’s effectiveness and user-friendliness. “

Archyde: what kind of feedback have you received from users, and do you have any plans for future developments?

“The feedback has been incredibly positive! Users report meaningful reductions in tinnitus distress, improved sleep quality, and increased feelings of control over their condition. We are constantly working to improve the app based on user feedback and incorporating new features, such as personalized soundtracks and guided meditations. “

Archyde: Freequency represents a unique intersection of gaming and healthcare. Do you believe this approach has the potential to revolutionize how we treat other conditions?

“Absolutely! Gamification has the power to transform healthcare by making treatment more engaging, accessible, and effective. I believe we are just scratching the surface of its potential. Imagine using games to manage chronic pain, promote physical rehabilitation, or even address mental health concerns – the possibilities are truly endless.”

“Freequency” offers a promising new approach to tinnitus management, demonstrating the potential for innovative technology to improve the lives of millions.

New App Offers Innovative Treatment for Tinnitus

Tinnitus, the persistent perception of sound in the absence of an external source, affects millions worldwide. While traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms, a new mobile application called Freequency takes a unique approach, leveraging the power of gamification to address the challenge.

Understanding Tinnitus

“Tinnitus is a sound that only exists in your brain,” explains Dr. Rilana Cima, assistant professor at Maastricht university and coordinator of the Tinnitus Expertise Center Adelante. “People with tinnitus hear an annoying beep or noise that bystanders do not hear. These sounds can be constant or intermittent, frequently enough disappearing spontaneously, but sometimes becoming chronic.” In the Netherlands alone, an estimated 2.5 million people experience tinnitus, with over half a million seeking medical attention due to its impact on their daily lives.

Exposure Therapy: A Proven Foundation

Conventional tinnitus treatments primarily focused on symptom control. Though, research conducted by Maastricht University and Adelante in 2019 revealed a more targeted approach: exposure therapy. This method involves deliberately exposing patients to their tinnitus, gradually desensitizing them to the sound. Dr. Cima explains, “by repeatedly encountering the tinnitus, people become less bothered by it.” Since 2019, exposure therapy has been included in standard treatment protocols due to its effectiveness.

Gamifying the Healing Process

Building upon the principles of exposure therapy and mirror therapy, game developers Hulan collaborated with a manual therapist to create a groundbreaking game app for tinnitus management. Sophie Asveld, the app’s developer, explains, “We wanted to make exposure therapy more accessible and engaging. A game app seemed like a natural fit, particularly for older users who may find traditional methods less appealing.”

How the Game Works

The app utilizes a unique approach to target tinnitus. Users first input their specific tinnitus tone, specifying its frequency and type. Then, with headphones on, they hold their phone’s camera in front of them and navigate their surroundings, attempting to locate the source of the simulated tinnitus. Once they pinpoint the “source,” a virtual birdcage appears, and tapping it causes the tinnitus to disappear on the headphones. This interactive process teaches the brain to associate control over the tinnitus sound with positive outcomes.

“You are literally playing your tinnitus,” Asveld says. “You are fooling your brain into believing that you have control over the sound. This shift in perception can lead to a significant reduction in tinnitus distress.”

Beyond gaming: A Call to Action

The emergence of this innovative game app demonstrates the potential of technology in addressing the challenges of tinnitus.As research continues to explore the intricacies of tinnitus and its impact, its essential to explore all avenues for relief. If you or someone you know struggles with tinnitus,consulting an audiologist or healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and determine the most suitable treatment approach,including exploring the potential benefits of this novel gamified therapy.

A Novel Approach to Tinnitus: can Gaming Help?

Tinnitus, characterized by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, impacts millions globally.While existing treatments offer relief,many individuals seek innovative solutions to manage this often-debilitating condition. Enter Freequency, a groundbreaking mobile application that utilizes a captivating bird-themed game to address the underlying auditory processing issues associated with tinnitus.

An Interview with Sophie Asveld, Developer of the Freequency App

Developed over three years in collaboration with audiologists, Freequency offers a unique approach to tinnitus management. Its creator, Sophie Asveld, explains the app’s inspiration: “A bird was chosen because the research phase showed that we have fine associations with a bird.” Users engage in daily auditory exercises through the game,encouraged to play for ten minutes each day for a period of 100 days to retrain their brains to filter out phantom noises.

Gameplay and Design Based on Research

Freequency’s design is grounded in scientific research and aims to provide a personalized and engaging experience. Asveld emphasizes, “We only receive positive reactions so far. We have even received a message from someone who indicated that we could sleep again for the first time in three years.” This positive feedback underscores the app’s potential to considerably improve the lives of tinnitus sufferers.

Positive Early Feedback and Future Development

Since its launch on the App Store in October, Freequency has garnered overwhelmingly positive user feedback.”It sounds very fascinating and is a good addition to our exposure therapy, as repetition is very critically important,” says Rilana Cima, an expert in tinnitus treatment. “In addition, I think it is indeed indeed positive that an exposure with a game can be provoked. It is accessible and if you are familiar with gaming often also less scary than such a therapy session.”

The freequency team is committed to expanding the app’s reach and accessibility. Asveld notes, “We hope that the app can also be downloaded via health insurance and we hope to be able to offer the app through audiological centers.” this ambition reflects their dedication to making this innovative treatment accessible to a wider patient population.

Potential for Enhanced Therapy

Freequency’s innovative approach has already garnered recognition, winning the preliminary round of the National Healthcare Innovation Prize. the final round is scheduled for March 13, with the winner announced on April 9. For now, the first three days of the app are free, with a monthly subscription cost of around 9 euros after that.

Recognition and Cost

The future of tinnitus treatment may lie in integrating technology like Freequency into existing therapies. By leveraging the power of gamification, apps like Freequency have the potential to empower individuals in managing their condition and improve their quality of life. As research continues to explore the benefits of gamification in healthcare, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge, paving the way for a new era of patient-centered care.

A New Approach to Tinnitus Management: Gaming Your way to Relief

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by phantom noises in the ears, affects millions worldwide, frequently enough leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even depression.While traditional treatment methods like sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective, they may not always be engaging or accessible for everyone. A new mobile app, Freequency, is challenging the status quo by leveraging the power of gamification to help individuals manage their tinnitus.

How Freequency Works: Turning Treatment into Play

Developed by Sophie Asveld, a game developer with a passion for leveraging technology to improve lives, Freequency operates on the principles of sound therapy and exposure therapy. Users begin by inputting detailed information about their tinnitus, such as its frequency and perceived location. They then embark on a virtual journey, utilizing headphones to listen to a personalized simulation of their tinnitus.

“In Freequency, users navigate through virtual environments, using headphones to listen to a simulated version of their tinnitus. The goal is to locate and ‘capture’ the source of the simulated sound, which causes the tinnitus to fade away. This process helps users gain a sense of control over their tinnitus perception and gradually desensitize themselves to the sound,” Asveld explains.

The Science Behind the Game

The app’s innovative approach is rooted in scientific research. “we saw a gap in tinnitus treatment options, especially for individuals who found traditional therapy methods too passive or cumbersome,” Asveld says. “With my background in game development and a team of audiologists, we wanted to explore how gamification could make therapy more engaging and effective.”

Extensive consultations with audiologists and tinnitus patients guided the development process, ensuring that Freequency’s design and gameplay aligned with established therapeutic principles while incorporating elements that enhance user engagement and motivation.

A Positive User Response

As its launch, Freequency has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Many report significant reductions in their tinnitus distress, improved sleep quality, and a renewed sense of hope.

“The response to freequency has been overwhelmingly positive. Many users report noticeable reductions in their tinnitus distress and improved sleep quality,” Asveld shares. “We’re constantly working on new features and updates based on user feedback, including plans to expand the game’s content and personalize the therapy experience.”

The Future of Tinnitus Management

Freequency represents a promising step forward in tinnitus treatment, demonstrating the potential of gamification to improve patient engagement and outcomes. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to managing this common condition, empowering individuals to reclaim their auditory well-being.

if you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus, explore the possibilities offered by Freequency and other emerging therapies. With the right tools and support, you can embark on a journey towards a quieter and more fulfilling life.

Gamifying Healthcare: The Potential of Game-Based Interventions

The intersection of gaming and healthcare is rapidly evolving, with game-based interventions emerging as a promising approach to improve patient engagement and treatment outcomes. This innovative method harnesses the power of game mechanics and principles to make healthcare more interactive, enjoyable, and effective.

Engaging Patients Through Play

Traditional healthcare settings frequently enough struggle to keep patients motivated and engaged in their treatment plans. Gamification addresses this challenge by introducing elements of fun, competition, and reward into the healthcare experience.

“Absolutely! Gamification offers a powerful tool for improving healthcare delivery. it can make treatments more engaging, motivating, and accessible to a wider range of patients. I believe we’ll see a greater emphasis on using game-based interventions to address various health challenges in the future,” says healthcare innovator, [Expert Name].

Real-World Applications

Game-based interventions are already being used to tackle a range of health conditions, including chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Apps and online platforms utilize interactive challenges, virtual rewards, and personalized feedback to help patients manage their conditions more effectively.

  • diabetes Management: Gamified apps can help individuals track their blood sugar levels,make healthier food choices,and engage in regular physical activity,all while earning points and badges for progress.
  • Mental Health: Virtual reality experiences and interactive role-playing games are being explored as tools to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Rehabilitation: Games can be designed to encourage and motivate patients during rehabilitation, helping them regain physical function after injuries or surgery.

Benefits and Challenges

Game-based interventions offer numerous potential benefits, including increased patient engagement, improved adherence to treatment plans, and enhanced learning. However, there are also challenges to overcome, such as ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these interventions and addressing issues of accessibility and equity.

The Future of Gamified Healthcare

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and elegant game-based interventions emerge. The future of healthcare may well involve a more playful and engaging approach, empowering patients to take control of their health and well-being.

Embracing gamification in healthcare offers a unique opportunity to transform the patient experience and revolutionize the way we approach health and wellness.

Do you think gamification can revolutionize healthcare beyond tinnitus management?

A New Approach to Tinnitus Management: Gaming Your Way to Relief

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by phantom noises in the ears, affects millions worldwide, frequently leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even depression. While conventional treatment methods like sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective, they may not always be engaging or accessible for everyone. A new mobile app, Freequency, is challenging the status quo by leveraging the power of gamification to help individuals manage their tinnitus.

How Freequency Works: Turning Treatment into Play

Developed by Sophie Asveld, a game developer with a passion for leveraging technology to improve lives, Freequency operates on the principles of sound therapy and exposure therapy. Users begin by inputting detailed data about their tinnitus, such as its frequency and perceived location. They then embark on a virtual journey, utilizing headphones to listen to a personalized simulation of their tinnitus.

“In Freequency,users navigate through virtual environments,using headphones to listen to a simulated version of their tinnitus. The goal is to locate and ‘capture’ the source of the simulated sound,which causes the tinnitus to fade away.This process helps users gain a sense of control over their tinnitus perception and gradually desensitize themselves to the sound,” Asveld explains.

The Science Behind the Game

The app’s innovative approach is rooted in scientific research. “We saw a gap in tinnitus treatment options, especially for individuals who found traditional therapy methods too passive or cumbersome,” Asveld says. “With my background in game progress and a team of audiologists,we wanted to explore how gamification could make therapy more engaging and effective.”

Extensive consultations with audiologists and tinnitus patients guided the development process, ensuring that Freequency’s design and gameplay aligned with established therapeutic principles while incorporating elements that enhance user engagement and motivation.

A Positive User Response

as of its launch, Freequency has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Many report significant reductions in their tinnitus distress, improved sleep quality, and a renewed sense of hope.

“The response to Freequency has been overwhelmingly positive. Many users report noticeable reductions in their tinnitus distress and improved sleep quality,” Asveld shares. “We’re constantly working on new features and updates based on user feedback, including plans to expand the game’s content and personalize the therapy experience.”

The Future of Tinnitus Management

Freequency represents a promising step forward in tinnitus treatment, demonstrating the potential of gamification to improve patient engagement and outcomes. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to managing this common condition, empowering individuals to reclaim their auditory well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus, explore the possibilities offered by freequency and other emerging therapies.With the right tools and support, you can embark on a journey towards a quieter and more fulfilling life. Do you think gamification can revolutionize healthcare beyond tinnitus management?

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