What is Habituation?
Habituation is your brain's natural ability to filter out repetitive, non-threatening sounds. It's the reason you stop noticing the hum of your refrigerator or the ticking of a clock—your brain learns these sounds aren't important and stops bringing them to your conscious attention.
For people with tinnitus, this filtering mechanism hasn't engaged with the internal sound. The brain continues to flag the tinnitus as something requiring attention, creating a cycle of awareness, stress, and increased perception.
Sound therapy works by providing gentle, external sounds that help your brain recategorise tinnitus as background noise. Over time, consistent exposure leads to reduced awareness and emotional response—even if the tinnitus itself doesn't disappear.
Clinical Evidence
Multiple systematic reviews and clinical trials support the effectiveness of sound therapy for tinnitus management:
74-84%
Improvement rate reported in Cochrane systematic reviews for structured sound therapy programs
Key Research Findings
- Cochrane Reviews: Systematic analysis of tinnitus interventions shows sound therapy as one of the most effective non-invasive treatments
- VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines: Sound therapy is recommended as a primary intervention for tinnitus management in clinical settings
- Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research: Studies indicate 2-4 hours daily of sound therapy reaches the therapeutic threshold for habituation
- Neuroplasticity: Research confirms the brain can rewire its response to tinnitus through consistent, structured sound exposure
How The StillWell Program Applies This Research
The StillWell Program translates clinical research into a practical, accessible 12-week journey:
Structured Progression
Four phases gradually build from foundation skills to independent maintenance, matching the timeline research suggests for habituation
Daily Sessions
20-60 minute daily targets align with therapeutic thresholds identified in clinical studies
Personalised Sounds
Sound matching based on your tinnitus type ensures therapy is optimised for your specific needs
Progress Tracking
Weekly check-ins and streak tracking reinforce the consistency that research shows is crucial for habituation
Important Note
While sound therapy has strong research support, tinnitus is a complex condition with many potential causes. StillWell is designed as a self-help tool and should not replace professional medical advice. If you're experiencing new or worsening tinnitus, please consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.
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