The Impact of Natural Sounds in Neurofeedback Training

New research by Nisar et al. explores a unique question in neuroscience: can specific relaxing sounds enhance the effects of neurofeedback training? In this study, the researchers examined the impact of natural soundscapes on alpha wave activity—commonly associated with relaxation—during neurofeedback sessions aimed at increasing alpha waves. The results open the door to a deeper understanding of how personalized sounds could amplify the benefits of neurofeedback for stress reduction and mental relaxation.

Biofeedback and neurofeedback are already widely used tools for addressing stress, anxiety, and cognitive enhancement. Neurofeedback, in particular, provides users with real-time feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to self-regulate certain neural patterns. When the training focuses on increasing alpha waves, it is often linked to stress reduction and a more relaxed state of mind. But what if certain sounds could further enhance this relaxation effect?

This study examined how different natural sounds—from rain and thunder to beach and forest ambiances—affect brain activity during alpha enhancement neurofeedback sessions. The researchers hypothesized that some sounds would be more effective than others in promoting relaxation. Their findings also reveal fascinating individual variability in how people respond to these sounds.

Methods

The study recruited 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 38, divided into two groups: a neurofeedback group and a control group. Participants in the neurofeedback group underwent 20 alpha-enhancement training sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, over roughly two and a half months. The sessions included a variety of relaxing soundscapes, such as rain and thunder, each with distinct acoustic characteristics.

Neurofeedback Protocol

Using the Emotiv Epoc+ EEG headset, the research team recorded participants’ brain activity via 14 scalp electrodes, focusing on alpha activity (8–13 Hz), a frequency associated with relaxed mental states. The neurofeedback sessions were designed to help participants increase their alpha activity via auditory feedback, reinforcing a calm mental state. Alpha activity was monitored on an individual basis, creating a direct feedback loop to help participants achieve higher alpha power.

Sound Variability and EEG Processing

To assess the effect of different soundscapes on alpha activity, participants listened to one sound during the first half of the session (15 minutes) and a different sound during the second half. This design allowed researchers to compare sound types within the same session. Soundscapes included rain, thunder, ocean floor, beach, and other natural scenes sourced from brain.fm—a platform known for scientifically validated compositions that support mental states like relaxation and focus.

EEG data were processed to eliminate artifacts such as eye movements using techniques like Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Artifact Subspace Reconstruction (ASR). Mean alpha power for each sound was calculated using Welch’s method for spectral density estimation, ensuring a reliable measure of relaxation response under each sound condition.

Results

The results revealed distinct trends in how different sounds influenced participants’ brain activity. Sounds like rain and ambient relaxation soundscapes led to significant increases in alpha power, suggesting they were most effective at inducing relaxation. Notably, 28% of participants reached their highest alpha power while listening to rain, with ambient relaxation following closely behind—reinforcing its role as a powerful relaxing stimulus.

Interestingly, not all natural sounds had the same impact. For instance, nighttime and thunder sounds had a weaker effect on alpha power, indicating they were less effective at promoting calm states for most participants. The study suggests that while certain natural sounds inherently support relaxation, others may not provide the same level of tranquility—perhaps due to individual preferences or divergent emotional responses.

Another important finding was the variability in individual responses to the same soundscapes. While rain sounds were generally effective, some participants responded differently, highlighting the need for personalized sound selection in neurofeedback practice. Practitioners can thus tailor neurofeedback sessions with sounds that resonate most with each client’s unique response profile, potentially increasing therapeutic effectiveness.

Brendan’s Perspective

The study’s findings underscore the promising role of neurofeedback training combined with relaxing soundscapes in enhancing mental well-being and relaxation. For many, neurofeedback is a powerful tool for stress reduction, and selecting the right type of sound can further augment its benefits. These insights offer practical applications for clients, healthcare professionals, and neurofeedback practitioners alike.

Personal Benefits

This study suggests that neurofeedback, enriched with natural soundscapes, may serve as a valuable addition to stress management routines. While the notion of “relaxing sounds” has gained popularity, this research provides a scientific basis for which sounds truly support mental relaxation. Sounds like rain or gentle ambient music have shown marked effects in promoting alpha waves, which are linked to calmness and stress reduction. Clients dealing with chronic stress or anxiety may find that alpha neurofeedback, when paired with carefully selected soundscapes, can amplify calming effects and foster quicker relaxation or relief.

Implications for Traditional Therapies

For health professionals seeking non-pharmacological options for clients, these findings highlight neurofeedback as a flexible, non-invasive tool that can complement traditional therapies. The additional layer of targeted soundscapes offers personalization that can cater to client preferences. In clinical and therapeutic contexts, alpha regulation through neurofeedback has shown promise in areas such as anxiety reduction and mood regulation. This study shows how sound can reinforce these effects. Presenting this individualized approach to clients may help strengthen the therapeutic alliance by making neurofeedback sessions more engaging and effective.

In Neurofeedback Practice

For neurofeedback specialists, the study’s insights into individualized sound responses offer valuable guidance for designing client-centered protocols. Since different natural sounds elicit varying degrees of alpha activity, practitioners might pre-test or experiment with diverse soundscapes for each client. For example, if rain or ambient relaxation sounds yield particularly high alpha activity, they can be integrated into sessions to maximize neurofeedback effects. Sessions could begin with a baseline assessment, exposing clients to a range of relaxing sounds to identify the most effective options before starting regular training. In this way, neurofeedback becomes more personalized—enhancing outcomes and client satisfaction.

Future Directions

These findings also call for continued exploration into the neuroscience of sound and relaxation. Given the individual variability observed, future studies with larger samples could clarify why some sounds are more effective for certain people. Research might also examine whether specific sound properties—such as frequency, tempo, or intensity—are linked to higher alpha activity or other beneficial outcomes. In some cases, incorporating real-time EEG feedback to adjust sound selection dynamically may advance the field, making neurofeedback highly adaptive to individual needs.

Broad Potential for Application

The possibility of personalized neurofeedback experiences based on relaxing sounds represents a promising direction for practitioners. In recent years, biofeedback and neurofeedback have gained popularity as holistic and accessible mental health tools. However, their efficacy often depends on user engagement and specific training parameters. By integrating personalized sounds, as this study suggests, practitioners can elevate neurofeedback from a general relaxation technique to a precision intervention. This not only empowers clients but also strengthens the therapeutic relationship by offering a more tailored approach to mental well-being.

One especially promising avenue is the potential use of these sounds to reinforce neurofeedback transfer effects—that is, the application of learned skills from neurofeedback sessions into daily life. Adding relaxing sounds during sessions could help participants recreate the relaxed and focused state outside the training environment by mentally associating these sounds with elevated alpha waves. This continuity between session conditions and real-life experiences could amplify the benefits of neurofeedback, fostering smoother integration of deep relaxation states into everyday life.

It’s also important to note that this study measured the effect of relaxing sounds over a single neurofeedback session. While the results are encouraging, future research should explore the long-term use and effects of these sounds. Whether repeated exposure to specific sounds leads to tolerance or diminishing effectiveness over time is a question worth investigating. Future findings could determine if periodic adjustments to soundscapes are needed to maintain optimal neurofeedback outcomes.

The study also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of “relaxing sounds.” Many apps and resources offer soundscapes for relaxation, but their effectiveness is rarely based on precise brainwave research. This study helps fill that gap, showing that “relaxation” is a subjective experience, and practitioners should consider testing different soundscapes to find what truly resonates with each client.

A Larger Trend: Personalized Digital Therapy

A broader theme emerging here is the convergence of neuroscience with individualized digital therapy. As personalized neurofeedback practices evolve, integrating user-friendly tools that analyze real-time EEG feedback and adjust sound parameters to optimize brain states could redefine the neurofeedback experience. This approach not only maximizes therapeutic effects but also aligns with the growing trend of personalized medicine—where interventions are increasingly tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

Nature-Based Therapy

Finally, this study highlights the importance of “nature-based therapy,” which uses natural elements—here, sound—to promote mental and physical health. Listening to natural sounds like rain or the ocean may not only provide benefits during neurofeedback sessions but also echo the soothing effects of real-world immersion in nature. While research has already shown that time spent in natural environments reduces stress and improves mood, this study suggests that even virtual elements of nature—like soundscapes—can have similar effects.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of nature-based therapy by harnessing natural sounds and other sensory stimuli in neurofeedback could open new doors to more holistic and accessible interventions. For clients living in urban environments with limited access to nature, these sounds offer a way to mentally reconnect with natural elements and benefit from their calming effects. Integrating nature-based therapy into neurofeedback may thus become a powerful and widely applicable approach to fostering relaxation and well-being.

Conclusion

This study offers valuable insights into how certain natural sounds—particularly rain and ambient relaxation—can enhance relaxation outcomes in neurofeedback training by increasing alpha wave activity. Alpha waves are well-established markers of calm and relaxed mental states, and this study confirms that some sounds can amplify these states during neurofeedback, producing a deeper and more effective relaxation response.

However, the study also underscores that “relaxing” sounds are not universally effective—individual preferences and responses play a significant role. This variability suggests that practitioners should incorporate flexibility and personalization when using soundscapes in neurofeedback sessions. Doing so allows neurofeedback to be more precisely tailored to each client’s needs, maximizing potential benefits for stress relief, relaxation, and overall mental well-being.

In the future, larger studies could further clarify the most effective acoustic features for neurofeedback training. Advanced technologies like machine learning may also enable real-time adaptations of sound based on immediate brain responses, paving the way for more intuitive and effective neurofeedback systems. Until then, practitioners have a promising framework for beginning to integrate personalized soundscapes into their practice, harnessing the power of neurofeedback to create a more relaxing and effective client experience.

Reference

Nisar, H., Ong, Y. N., & Mahmood, D. (2024). Analyzing the Effect of Relaxing Natural Sounds on the Human Brain During Alpha Up-Regulation Neurofeedback Training. IEEE Conference on Signal and Image Processing Applications. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSIPA62061.2024.10686849