Soothing sounds: music may boost VR treatment for fear of heights
NCT ID NCT06468878
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether listening to liked, non-lyrical background music during virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy helps people with acrophobia (fear of heights) more than VR alone. Sixty Boston University students took part. The goal was to see if music reduces anxiety and changes how people think about heights.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Virtual reality exposure with background music
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a more enjoyable and effective way to treat fear of heights using VR and music.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 60 participants, all students at one university. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect of music may be small or not lasting.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States