Sound Therapy
Beyond relaxation, is there hard science behind sound therapy?
A (Neurologist): There is emerging evidence for "Auditory Beat Stimulation" (ABS) combined with music. A 2026 clinical trial (n=1,310) showed a dose-response relationship: 36 minutes of theta-frequency beats reduced anxiety more than 12 minutes . That suggests a biological effect, not just placebo.
B (Psychologist): It works for acute anxiety, but it doesn't replace CBT. It's a tool for state change, not trait change. For panic attacks, it's great. For deep trauma, no.
C (Audiologist): We need to be careful with volume. These apps often go unregulated. Listening to binaural beats at max volume for hours can cause noise-induced hearing loss, especially in teens.
D (Digital Health Founder): The market is moving to "prescription" digital therapeutics. We can now get FDA clearance for software that treats insomnia or anxiety using sound. Insurance might reimburse a $300 app if it saves them $1,000 in meds.