What kind of headphones and music do you need?
One of the most practical questions about SSP. The good news: you don't need expensive equipment—just the right settings.
The SSP works with specially filtered music. That filtering is exactly what makes the protocol work, which is why it’s important that your headphones pass that music through unaltered. A lot of confusion arises because modern headphones actually try to "enhance" the sound—and that’s exactly not the point here.
The Right Headphones
We recommend over-ear headphones: ones that completely cover your ears. The most important thing isn't the price, but that the headphones don't alter the sound. There is absolutely no evidence that expensive headphones work better; a simple, neutral pair of over-ear headphones will do just fine.
Do
- Over-ear headphones (covering your ears)
- Turn noise cancellation off completely
- Equalizer (EQ) off or set to neutral
- Natural sound insulation is fine
- Old wired headphones? An adapter is often the perfect solution
Better to avoid
- AirPods or in-ear earbuds
- Active noise cancellation that can't be turned off
- EQ modes (Jazz, Vocal, Bass, etc.) that are always on
- Headphones that "repair" the sound"
Why this is so important
Some (often more expensive) headphones have an EQ mode that’s always active. It’s designed to make the music sound better, but in doing so, it actually interferes with the SSP algorithm. The result: you’ll notice little to nothing. If you can’t completely turn off the noise-canceling and EQ, it’s better to choose a simpler model that allows you to do so. We don’t recommend AirPods or earbuds, because a certain distance is needed between the speaker and your middle ear.
When a speaker is better
Not everyone listens best with headphones. In some situations, we actually recommend listening through a speaker:
- For tinnitus (ringing in the ears), because a speaker takes the strain off your ears
- For young children or others who cannot tolerate headphones
- In dogs and other pets
- For those with high sensitivity, to make the effect milder
In that case, use a stereo speaker or soundbar, or a phone or tablet with good left and right speakers. The effect on the middle ear is slightly different when using a speaker, but it still helps bring people and animals out of survival mode. Keep the volume low: it’s better to keep it lower than higher. When played through a speaker at low volume, the effect is less strong and less intense, which can actually be pleasant if you’re sensitive.
Do you have the right headphones and would you like to start a guided program?
Get started today with the SSP and experience all the benefits for yourselfThe music and the playlists
You can listen to SSP’s music through the Unyte app. There are currently eight playlists, featuring both vocal and instrumental music, so there’s something for just about everyone. In the Connect program, you can preview the different styles to choose the one you like best; you’ll then listen to that style in Core. Important to know: the underlying algorithm is the same for all styles and in all phases. So be sure to choose the style that feels calm and pleasant to you—and feel free to switch playlists as you go through the SSP.
A handy tip: With Wonder and Original, you can often tell more clearly that the music has been filtered, while Freely and the classical variants sound more like "regular" music. Can’t hear any difference at all when listening to Original or Wonder? That’s often a sign that your headphones have an EQ mode that adjusts the sound—try checking that setting.
In a nutshell
You don’t need any expensive equipment. A simple pair of over-ear headphones with noise cancellation and EQ is all you need. If you have tinnitus, or if there are children or pets around, a speaker set to a low volume is a good alternative. And no matter what style of music you choose, the algorithm works the same way for everything, so just go with whatever feels right.
Short Questions, Short Answers
What kind of headphones do I need for the SSP?
Over-ear headphones that allow you to turn off noise cancellation and any sound adjustments (EQ modes). The headphones must not enhance or adjust the sound, as this interferes with the SSP algorithm. Expensive headphones aren’t better; a simple, neutral pair of over-ear headphones works just fine.
Do I really have to turn off noise cancellation?
Yes, when using the SSP, noise-canceling must always be turned off, and equalizers must also be turned off or set to neutral. Some headphones try to correct or enhance the sound, and that’s exactly what interferes with the filtered music. If noise cancellation or an EQ mode can’t be turned off, you’re better off choosing a different pair of headphones.
Can I use AirPods or earbuds?
For the SSP, earbuds and AirPods are not recommended, because there needs to be a certain distance between the speaker and the middle ear. Over-ear headphones work better for this purpose. If you still have an old pair of wired headphones, you can often use them just fine with an adapter.
When is it better to listen through a speaker?
A speaker is a good alternative for people with tinnitus, young children, or others who cannot tolerate headphones, as well as for dogs. Use a stereo speaker or soundbar, or a phone or tablet with good left and right speakers. Keep the volume low; the sound is milder and less intense when played through a speaker.
What music genres are there, and does it matter which one I choose?
There are currently eight playlists: Original, Wonder, Classical Calm, Classical Flow, Groove, Groove Instrumental, Freely, and Visions, featuring both vocal and instrumental music. The underlying algorithm is the same for all styles, so feel free to choose whatever feels pleasant and relaxing to you. You can also switch between playlists as you go through the SSP.
Ready to listen?
Take the free test, or read on to learn exactly how SSP works.
The SSP is a guided listening program, not a medical treatment. If you have tinnitus or hearing problems, we recommend that you exercise extra caution and listen through a speaker.
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