Online sound therapy for chronic tinnitus using a novel type of sound
Tinnitus causes persistent ringing, buzzing, or whistling sounds in the ears, affecting millions of people across the UK. There is currently no standard cure to silence these phantom noises. Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new type of sound therapy designed to help dial down the volume of tinnitus over time. This study takes place entirely online from the comfort of your own home. If you take part, you will download audio tracks to your computer or phone and listen to them through headphones. The trial lasts around 18 weeks, split into two listening periods and two rest periods. You can listen while getting on with daily activities, and you will fill in short questionnaires about how loud your tinnitus feels. The aim is to find out if this sound therapy provides lasting relief.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing noises—such as ringing, buzzing, roaring, or hissing—that do not come from an outside source. Around one in ten adults in the UK live with chronic tinnitus. For some, it is a minor annoyance, but for others, it can disrupt sleep, concentration, and daily well-being. Finding accessible, drug-free ways to ease these sounds is a major goal for hearing health researchers.
Scientists at Newcastle University have created a novel form of sound therapy. The brain often turns up its internal 'volume' when it tries to fill in missing sound frequencies. By playing carefully tailored audio patterns, this therapy aims to rebalance brain activity and soothe the internal noise. Researchers want to find out whether listening to these tracks on a regular basis can reduce the loudness and distress of tinnitus.
Because this study is managed entirely over the internet, participants from all over the country can take part without travelling to a hospital or clinic. By testing this approach against comparison sounds, the team hopes to discover whether digital sound therapies could become a convenient, evidence-based treatment for people living with tinnitus in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests a novel, home-based sound therapy to reduce the loudness of chronic tinnitus.
- The study is completely digital with no clinic or hospital visits needed.
- Involves listening to sound tracks through headphones for 30–60 minutes daily over 18 weeks.
- Open to adults aged 18+ with persistent tinnitus, provided it is not pulsing with the heartbeat.
- Participation is free, voluntary, and participants can keep useful sound tracks afterwards.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who experience persistent tinnitus in one or both ears for most of the time. You do not need to notice the sound every second, as long as it is there whenever your surroundings are quiet. You must also have access to a computer or smartphone with an internet connection, and standard headphones or earphones that let you hear audio clearly.
You cannot take part if you have severe or profound high-frequency hearing loss, unless you use a hearing aid or cochlear implant that allows you to hear the sounds properly. People without hearing devices and with severe hearing loss may not be able to perceive the therapeutic audio.
Additionally, the study is not suitable for anyone with 'pulsatile' tinnitus. This is a specific type of tinnitus that pulses, thumps, or whooshes in rhythm with your heartbeat, which usually requires different medical investigation.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or over.
- I have persistent ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in my ears most of the time.
- My tinnitus does not beat or whoosh in time with my pulse.
- I do not have severe untreated hearing loss (hearing aid users are welcome).
- I have a phone or computer, internet access, and headphones.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study lasts about 18 weeks and is completed 100% online at home. First, you will complete an initial online sound check to estimate your hearing and match your tinnitus pitch. You will then start a 6-week period of daily listening, using headphones while resting or doing other light tasks. While 30 to 60 minutes per day is suggested, the exact duration is up to you, and you will log your listening time each day. This is followed by a 3-week 'washout' break where you do not listen to any study sounds. Next, you will complete a second 6-week daily listening block using a different audio track, followed by a final 3-week break. Throughout the study, you will complete brief online questionnaires regarding your tinnitus loudness and sound sensitivity.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of Newcastle Upon TyneCity onlyNewcastle upon Tyne, England
Common questions
Do I need to visit Newcastle to take part?
No. The entire trial is conducted online, meaning you can complete all listening sessions and questionnaires from home.
How much time do I need to spend listening each day?
The researchers suggest around 30 to 60 minutes daily, but the timing is flexible and you can listen while doing other activities.
Will I be paid for taking part in this study?
No, there are no financial payments or travel reimbursements provided for joining this research.
What equipment do I need to join?
You will need a reliable internet connection, a computer or smartphone to play the audio files, and a pair of headphones or earphones.
Can I keep the sound files once the trial finishes?
Yes. If you find the study sounds helpful, you will be allowed to download and keep using them after your participation ends.
How to find out more
Ekaterina Yukhnovich
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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