Adding VR to traditional sound therapy appears to further relieve symptoms – but experts stress more research is needed
Experimental research suggests that combining virtual reality with traditional sound therapy may improve outcomes for people living with tinnitus. Though still in its early stages, the approach could offer a new tool for managing the condition.
The challenge of tinnitus
Tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears, affects millions worldwide, including more than seven million adults in the UK. For many, symptoms are manageable, but about one in 10 experience severe effects that disrupt sleep, concentration and quality of life.
Because there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. After relief from loss of hearing, reducing the effects of tinnitus is one of the most common requests made to audiologists.
How sound therapy works
Sound therapy is an established management strategy for tinnitus. Patients listen to relaxing background sounds – white noise, nature sounds or fractal tones – delivered via hearing aids, sound generators or dedicated apps. These sounds help mask the tinnitus and encourage the brain to stop focusing on the internal ringing.
Fractal tones, which are irregular and non-repetitive, may be particularly helpful. By encouraging passive listening, they can promote relaxation and help reduce the emotional impact of tinnitus over time.
Why VR could help
Virtual reality is already used in other fields of medicine, notably for pain relief and anxiety management. Researchers believe VR’s ability to engage the limbic system, which is the part of the brain involved in emotion, could help reduce the psychological burden of tinnitus.
A study tested whether pairing VR with sound therapy improved outcomes. Twenty adults with tinnitus were given sessions using sound therapy alone and sessions using sound therapy combined with VR nature scenes. Both treatments reduced symptoms, but the combined approach delivered significantly better results. Researchers believe the sensory immersion of VR may help reshape emotional responses to tinnitus.
Not yet ready for clinical use
Experts caution that this research is preliminary. The study was small, short-term and laboratory-based, with no evidence yet of long-term benefits. No commercial treatments currently combine VR and sound therapy, though the concept has attracted interest as a future direction for tinnitus care.
“Combining new technology such as VR with established methods of tinnitus management is a really interesting and exciting prospect,” said Micaela Stonestreet, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®. “While VR therapies are not yet available, established treatments like sound therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy can provide real relief. It’s important to seek professional advice if you are struggling with your tinnitus, because help is available.”
What to do now
For now, sound therapy remains one of the standard recommendations for tinnitus management. Options include wearable sound generators, tinnitus-masking hearing aids and smartphone apps offering nature sounds or white noise. Combined with CBT and lifestyle changes, these tools can help people manage their symptoms effectively.
Audiologists can help create personalised treatment plans based on individual needs and patients are advised to have regular hearing assessments to track any changes.
References
- NHS – Tinnitus overview – Causes, symptoms and treatment advice from the NHS.
- RNID – Tinnitus management – UK charity’s guide to managing tinnitus.
- British Tinnitus Association – Sound therapy – Explains how sound therapy works and how to use it.
- National Institute on Deafness – Tinnitus fact sheet – US resource offering background and treatment options.
