Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation, also known as biofeedback or neurofeedback, is a therapy that provides real-time information about your body’s signals to reinforce or reduce different types of physiological activity.  We utilize Neuromodulation for our patients experiencing bothersome tinnitus and those with sound sensitivity issues, including misophonia.

What’s the Difference Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is based on a system of auditory and visual rewards and works specifically on the central nervous system (the brain). Biofeedback, on the other hand, works on the peripheral nervous system (everything else). During biofeedback therapy, sensors are placed on the body and measurements such as heart rate, respiration and temperature are displayed on a screen. This allows you to train yourself to make subtle changes to these normally automatic processes, such as relaxing specific muscle groups or practicing diaphragmatic breathing. Biofeedback helps you regulate the body’s physiological activities to improve your overall health.

One example of this is Heart Rate Variability, or HRV. HRV is the measurement of the interval rate between heartbeats. Changes in your HRV can be a great indicator of your body’s adaptability and how you react to stress. Too much or too little variation can be related to chronic pain, anxiety and depression. HRV has also been used to track tinnitus severity, and a recent Apple Hearing Study has shown that HRV directly correlates with perceived tinnitus severity.

Does Biofeedback Treatment Work?

A substantial body of research, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of biofeedback in treating a range of health issues. The Food and Drug Administration has approved biofeedback therapy to reduce stress and lower blood pressure naturally. Along with physiological disorders, biofeedback has been shown to improve mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. Individuals with autism have also benefited from biofeedback, which has enhanced their communication and social skills.

Neuromodulation for Tinnitus: Does It Work?

Tinnitus can be a persistent and often debilitating condition, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. While there is no universal cure, biofeedback offers a promising approach to managing tinnitus symptoms. It provides individuals with tools to regulate their body’s responses to the condition. In many cases, it can even reduce the severity of the tinnitus sound itself. Biofeedback focuses on modulating physiological reactions, including heart rate, muscle tension and brainwave activity. This approach enables individuals to manage tinnitus naturally and non-invasively.

Through biofeedback and neurofeedback, you can address the auditory perception of tinnitus. You can also address the emotional and psychological components that often accompany it. Reducing stress, improving emotional regulation and retraining the brain’s response to tinnitus can improve quality of life. Biofeedback can be used alone or with other therapies. It provides a holistic, complementary solution tailored to individual needs.

By taking a proactive approach, you can incorporate biofeedback into your tinnitus management plan. This can help you move toward more significant relief, mental clarity and emotional balance. Please note that results may vary. Biofeedback is most effective when combined with other lifestyle adjustments and therapies. These adjustments support your overall well-being. As you embark on this journey, remember that gradual and consistent practice is key. These are essential to achieving long-term success.

Brainwave Regulation

With neurofeedback tinnitus training, you work directly on normalizing irregular brainwave patterns. Many people with tinnitus show hyperactivity in auditory or attention-related brain areas. Neurofeedback trains the brain to reduce this hyperactivity, helping to lower the perceived loudness and emotional impact of tinnitus. Neuroimaging studies have shown that individuals with tinnitus often exhibit abnormal brain activity, particularly in the auditory cortex and its surrounding brain regions.

These abnormalities include:

• Excessive high-frequency beta or gamma activity (hyperarousal) in the auditory cortex and other brain areas.
• Decreased alpha activity (which is associated with relaxation and calmness) in the temporal regions, leading to difficulties in relaxation.
• Imbalanced connectivity between auditory, limbic (emotional) and attentional brain circuits.These disruptions explain why tinnitus is not only heard as sound but also becomes an emotional and cognitive burden.

Suitable Candidates

Neuromodulation Benefits for Tinnitus-Related Stress and Sleep Issues

Neuromodulation can benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those who experience tinnitus-related distress or struggle with managing the emotional and physical impacts of the condition. The following groups of people may find neuromodulation especially helpful:

• Individuals with Tinnitus-Induced Stress and Anxiety: If tinnitus causes high levels of stress, anxiety or emotional distress, neuromodulation can help regulate the body’s stress responses. By training to control heart rate, muscle tension and respiration, individuals can reduce their emotional reactions to the sound of tinnitus, which can help decrease its perceived intensity.
• People with Difficulty Sleeping Due to Tinnitus: Sleep disturbances are common among tinnitus sufferers. Neuromodulation techniques, such as HRV and muscle relaxation, can improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing the physiological arousal associated with tinnitus. For those who struggle with falling or staying asleep, neuromodulation can help restore more peaceful and restorative sleep.

Biofeedback for Musculoskeletal Tension, Long-Term Relief and Emotional Support

• Tinnitus Sufferers with Coexisting Musculoskeletal Tension: Tinnitus can often lead to muscle tension in the neck, jaw and shoulders, which may worsen the perception of tinnitus. Biofeedback techniques targeting muscle relaxation, such as EMG (muscle tension) biofeedback, can help alleviate physical discomfort, making tinnitus less intrusive.
• Individuals Seeking Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Treatments: Many tinnitus sufferers are looking for natural or drug-free ways to manage their symptoms. Neuromodulation offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can be done at home or with a professional. For individuals looking to avoid medications or additional therapies, neuromodulation provides an alternative that focuses on self-regulation.
• Those Interested in Long-Term Relief: Neuromodulation provides a long-term solution by teaching individuals how to regulate their physiological and mental responses to tinnitus. Unlike temporary relief from medications or sound therapy, neuromodulation trains the body and brain to reduce sensitivity to tinnitus over time, promoting lasting changes.
• Individuals with Coexisting Emotional or Psychological Issues: If tinnitus is accompanied by depression, anxiety or other emotional disorders, neuromodulation can help regulate the body’s response to these issues, potentially providing relief from both emotional and auditory distress. This is particularly helpful for individuals who experience a vicious cycle where anxiety worsens tinnitus and tinnitus worsens anxiety.