Widex Zen Therapy: Managing Tinnitus

Understanding Tinnitus and the Widex Zen Therapy

This document outlines the Widex Zen Therapy protocol, a comprehensive approach designed to help individuals manage the effects of tinnitus. Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects millions worldwide and is often linked to hearing loss and stress.

Developed by Widex A/S in cooperation with Dr. Robert Sweetow, Professor of Audiology at the University of California, San Francisco, this therapy aims to improve the quality of life for those experiencing tinnitus by addressing its multifaceted nature.

Key Components of Widex Zen Therapy

The Widex Zen Therapy integrates several key elements to provide a holistic treatment strategy:

• Counseling: Both instructional and adjustment-based counseling are provided to educate individuals and help them alter negative interpretations of tinnitus. This includes cognitive-behavioral intervention when appropriate.
• Amplification: State-of-the-art hearing aids are used to stimulate the ears and brain, aiming to minimize overcompensation and maladaptive cortical reorganization.
• Zen Fractal Tones: Novel, proven acoustic stimuli delivered discreetly, designed to provide relaxation and acoustic stimulation.
• Relaxation Strategy Program: Behavioral exercises and sleep management strategies are incorporated to help manage stress and improve well-being.

Therapeutic Approach

The therapy is structured to be adaptable, with components selected based on an individual's specific needs, as determined through intake questionnaires, subjective measures, and personalized interviews. The goal is not to cure tinnitus, but to help individuals habituate to it and reduce the distress it causes.