The impact of relaxation/imagery on high level noise exposure: a pilot study

In this study the detrimental impact of high level noise on temporary threshold shift (TTS) (i.e., hearing loss), was reduced when subjects were given suggestions of imaginary ear muffs attenuating the amplitude and aversive aspects of the noise. This effect was small, however, and only apparent when subjects' responses to noise under a relaxation/imagery (self-regulation) condition was compared to exposure while working on crossword puzzles. The subject's level of hypnotic susceptibility was not related to the outcome. Implications of these findings were discussed.