Evaluating the GN ReSound Relief App Using task-and Rest-based fMRI

The main goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Resound Relief app in alleviating problems associated with tinnitus, using both behavioral assessment and brain imaging. Subjective tinnitus ("ringing in the ears") is the false perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus. It often causes emotional distress and, in severe cases, interferes with daily activities and can lead to anxiety and depression. Sound therapy and relaxation techniques have been widely used as prominent interventions to ameliorate the adverse effects of tinnitus on overall health and psychological variables. The Resound Relief app combines the merit of these two kinds of therapy to allow the patients to alternate between therapies and manipulate them according to their specifics and needs. To assess the efficacy of the Resound Relief app in relieving tinnitus, the investigators will perform an interventional study in which tinnitus patients will use the app installed on their smart phones for six months. The effects of this intervention will be quantified via audiological and cognitive assessments, administering questionnaires and surveys, and MRI scanning sessions. Audiological and cognitive assessments, and MRI scanning will be conducted before and six months after the use of the Resound Relief app. Tinnitus-related questionnaires will be administered before, two, four, and six months after beginning use of the app. A short survey will be filled out every week regarding participants' experience with the app, tracking changes in the users' tinnitus, hearing loss and general emotional well-being.