Session Overview: Sound therapy is not a single strategy; it consists of many different sound types, targeting many different mechanisms. Therapies that use sound to cover, reduce attention to or facilitate habituation of tinnitus are amongst the most common tinnitus treatment paradigms. Recent history has seen a proliferation of sound therapies but they have each been criticized for having limited empirical support. Without clear and common classification compelling arguments in favour of sound therapy cannot be made. After introducing the modern history of sound therapy a new typology of sound therapy will be proposed and considered in light of current behavioural neuroscience research. A particular emphasis will be placed on biomarkers to predict benefits from different treatments. As tinnitus is highly heterogeneous in its presentation, treatment options need to vary according to the individual. The potential for use of the new typology to develop precision sound therapies will be discussed.

 

Presenter(s): Grant Searchfield