Freequency is being developed and explored within a growing body of applied and academic research. This work focuses on understanding how people use the app, how their experience of tinnitus evolves over time, and how Freequency may fit within broader tinnitus care approaches. The current body of insights combines real-world user data, observational research, and academic studies on engagement and behavior.
Download the white paper on our real-world user data here
Observed User Patterns and Changes Over Time
Freequency is currently being explored in ongoing, real-world settings, focusing on how users experience tinnitus over time.
Early observations suggest that many users report positive changes in how they relate to and cope with tinnitus, particularly during the first phase of use. These changes tend to stabilize over time as new habits and responses are integrated into daily life.
User-reported data collected through validated questionnaires indicates that consistent engagement is associated with more pronounced improvements in tinnitus-related experience. Changes are primarily reported in how users interpret and respond to tinnitus, rather than in the perceived loudness of the sound itself. This aligns with broader insights from the field, where shifts in attention, meaning, and emotional response play an important role in how tinnitus is experienced.
Approach and Design Principles
Freequency is based on established behavioral and psychological principles, with exposure as the primary mechanism, supported by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation. These principles are translated into short, experiential exercises embedded in daily life, aimed at reducing perceived threat, decreasing avoidance, and facilitating habituation.
Funded Research & Implementation (NWO SIA KIEM)
Freequency is part of a publicly funded research program: “Freequencies – Applying design power for effective tinnitus treatment” This program integrates:
- clinical insights
- implementation research
- design and behavior science
Key research themes include:
- effectiveness in real-world settings
- usability and acceptance
- integration into healthcare pathways
- scalability and societal impact
Academic Research on Engagement (TU Delft)
Freequency is also studied within academic design research programs, focusing on long-term engagement and user behavior. Research shows that:
- sustained engagement is critical for therapeutic effect
- adherence declines without sufficient feedback and progression
- perceived progress strongly influences continued use
These insights directly inform ongoing product development and clinical positioning.
Real-World Data (The Netherlands)
Freequency is used at scale in the Netherlands, generating continuous real-world data using validated tinnitus outcome measures. The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is used to collect data from users at 4 different time points in the 100-day journey. This data:
- supports findings from clinical evaluation
- provides insight into variability between users
- informs optimization of both content and experience
Download the white paper on our real-world user data here
Ongoing and International Research
Ongoing research continues in real-world settings, focusing on long-term user experience and implementation.
In parallel, a pilot study in the United States is assessing:
- usability and engagement
- clarity and tone of content
- cultural fit within the US healthcare context Participants are followed longitudinally using structured feedback moments.
Click here to join the US pilot as a clinic!
Important Note Freequency is designed to support users in how they experience and respond to tinnitus in daily life. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.