What Is Oto?
With over 50 million US. adults and potentially as many as 37% of people worldwide enduring ringing or other unwanted sounds in the ears or head, relief from tinnitus is essential. Oto, an evidence-based approach to curbing tinnitus’s impact and improving daily life, provides just that.
Oto is a science-backed mobile app that helps people manage tinnitus using techniques proven to reduce distress and enhance quality of life. Developed by clinicians who have treated patients with the condition or have experienced it firsthand, Oto puts help right at your fingertips.
Through Oto, you gain a practical, effective way to take control of tinnitus symptoms without medication or medical devices.
How Does Oto Work?
Oto is a simple, app-based program that helps reduce the impact of tinnitus through guided therapy you can complete at home, without ongoing office visits, tinnitus devices, or prescriptions.
At Hudson Valley Audiology, we begin by evaluating your tinnitus and determining whether Oto is the right fit for your needs. If it is, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, including a short in-app assessment that helps tailor the program to your symptoms, severity, and lifestyle.
Oto then creates a personalized therapy plan developed by experienced clinicians, with content grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven method for reducing tinnitus symptoms by helping reframe how the brain interprets sound.
Daily sessions take just 10 minutes and include short educational audio lessons along with access to supportive wellness tools like:
- Guided breathing and relaxation
- Mindfulness and meditation exercises
- Soothing soundscapes
- Gentle stretching routines
- Sleep-support resources
With consistent use, these tools help your brain become less sensitive to tinnitus, making symptoms feel less intrusive and easier to manage. And we’re there to support you every step of the way.
What Is the Research Behind Oto?
Oto’s approach is based on research showing cognitive behavioral therapy as an effective treatment for tinnitus-related distress. The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation included CBT in its 2014 guidelines as a recommended treatment for patients with persistent, bothersome tinnitus.
Clinical research supports Oto’s digital delivery of CBT. A randomized controlled trial by Flinders University involving 96 participants found that using Oto resulted in significant symptom improvement compared to those in the control group.
Oto is also being evaluated in the DEFINE Trial, a 200-patient comparison of Oto and in-person CBT. It’s the biggest investigation involving a digitally based tinnitus program.
Do I Need a Tinnitus Evaluation to Use Oto?
We recommend it as a crucial first step. At Hudson Valley Audiology, we offer a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation to determine the severity, identify any underlying medical conditions, and determine whether Oto is the appropriate next step for you. If it is, we’ll guide you through setup and ensure you have the support you need on the path to tinnitus relief.