Tinnitus is the presence of phantom sounds, ringing or buzzing, in one or both ears that is not actually present. It affects approximately 10% of Americans, approximately 24 million people, and has no cure.
Tinnitus sufferers can turn to various options to provide symptom relief, from mindfulness practices to counseling services. A management option being explored is the use of vibration in the form of bimodal stimulation therapy.
About Bimodal Stimulation Therapy
The science behind bimodal stimulation therapy is rooted in the brain’s ability to adapt and change. By simultaneously delivering auditory cues (such as soothing sounds or white noise) and tactile stimuli (through vibrations), this therapy aims to retrain the brain’s perception of sound. The tactile component, particularly, plays a crucial role in this process.
About Vibration
Vibrational therapy works on the principle that the sensation of touch can influence the brain’s processing of sound. When a person experiences tinnitus, the brain often misinterprets the absence of external sound as the presence of internal noise, leading to the perception of tinnitus. By introducing a tactile stimulus, such as vibration, alongside auditory cues, the therapy seeks to redirect the brain’s focus away from the phantom sounds and towards the physical sensation of touch.
This redirection is believed to help the brain differentiate between internal and external stimuli more effectively. Over time and with consistent use, the brain may learn to prioritize the external, tactile stimuli over the internal phantom noises of tinnitus. These vibrations are essentially a distraction from the tinnitus.
Previous forms of bimodal therapy used electric shocks on the tongue, which required a daily visit to an audiologist’s office. A 2023 study has revealed that the therapeutic approach of combining sounds with correlated vibrations on the wrist is a simple, more efficient way to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
It’s important to note that while vibrational therapy offers a promising approach to managing tinnitus symptoms, it is not a cure for the underlying condition. Tinnitus can have multiple causes, and effective management often requires a comprehensive strategy.
To learn more about this research or explore other options to manage your tinnitus, contact M.K. Larson Audiology to schedule a consultation today.
