Freequency is a tinnitus treatment app combining exposure therapy, CBT, and mirror therapy in an augmented reality environment. It targets cognitive and emotional responses to tinnitus rather than the sound itself. Clinical data from the Netherlands shows average distress reductions of 5–6 points within 90 days, with greater improvements in consistent daily users. The app is backed by a clinical advisory board, NWO-funded research, and academic studies from TU Delft. Real-world data is collected via the Tinnitus Functional Index. A US pilot study is currently underway assessing usability and cultural fit.

Dr. Steven Hayes — Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada and founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — has joined Freequency's Clinical Advisory Board. With 47 books and nearly 700 scientific publications, he is among the most cited psychologists worldwide. Having personal experience with tinnitus himself, Hayes is motivated to contribute.

Ries developed persistent tinnitus that gradually worsened into a constant, intrusive ringing, severely affecting his sleep, energy, and daily functioning. Despite seeking medical advice and researching solutions, he found no cure and learned that tinnitus is often something people must learn to live with rather than eliminate.

Freequency has won the Best Applied Game award at the Dutch Game Awards, recognizing its impact on improving the lives of people with tinnitus. The jury praised its evidence-based approach and real-world effectiveness, emphasizing that the game delivers meaningful results despite its functional design. The team dedicates the award to everyone living with tinnitus in the Netherlands and hopes it contributes to greater awareness, understanding, and a stronger focus on self-management in tinnitus care.

Piet (74) developed persistent tinnitus that severely affected his daily life. After trying various treatments without success, he began using the Freequency app alongside chiropractic care. Over time, his symptoms faded, and he has now been symptom-free for a month. While unsure what caused the improvement, he believes the app played a positive role and encourages others to give it a try.

Tinnitus does not originate in the ear, but in the brain. Specific brain areas become overactive, particularly the auditory cortex and the limbic system (the emotional brain). The amygdala interprets the sound as a threat, while the hippocampus stores negative memories that trigger a stress response, reinforcing the tinnitus experience. Tinnitus is also referred to as "phantom sound," comparable to phantom pain after amputation. Treatments such as exposure therapy and mirror therapy focus on overwriting these negative memories. The Freequency app combines all these scientific principles to make tinnitus feel less threatening.