What happens in the brain during hypnotherapy?

During hypnotherapy, the brain enters a unique state of focused relaxation, often compared to daydreaming or being deeply absorbed in a book or film. In this state, brain activity changes in several important ways. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking, self-monitoring, and worry, becomes less active. At the same time, regions associated with imagination, memory, and emotional processing become more engaged. This combination allows the subconscious mind to take centre stage, making it easier to accept positive suggestions and create new patterns of thought and response.

For tinnitus, these changes are especially powerful. Hypnotherapy helps reduce activity in the parts of the brain that attach stress or threat to the ringing sound, while strengthening pathways that support calm and detachment. Over repeated sessions, the auditory system begins to “retrain” itself, no longer giving the tinnitus signal the same importance. As a result, the sound feels quieter, less intrusive, and easier to ignore.

With consistent practice, many people find the ringing gradually diminishes or disappears completely. Hypnotherapy not only changes how you perceive tinnitus but also promotes relaxation, lowers stress, and improves overall wellbeing - helping the brain build a calmer, healthier response to sound.