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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
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Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States