Sound therapy in renal disease management: a narrative review by the Kasr Al-Ainy Nephrology Group (KANG).

BACKGROUND

Sound therapy, a non-invasive practice using auditory stimuli such as music, tones, or specific frequencies, has demonstrated physiological and psychological benefits in neurology, pain management, and mental health. Its application in renal disease management, however, is still emerging.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize current knowledge regarding the potential effects of sound therapy on kidney diseases-including chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), dialysis, and kidney transplantation-and to highlight directions for future research.

METHODS

The Kasr Al-Ainy Nephrology Group (KANG) conducted a comprehensive narrative review with systematic search methodology in PubMed and major databases up to 2025. Search terms included "sound therapy," "music therapy," "vibroacoustic therapy," and "renal disease." Eligible studies comprised animal experiments, clinical trials, and observational studies reporting renal or symptom-related outcomes. This review examines both auditory interventions (music therapy, vibroacoustic therapy) and mechanical modalities (therapeutic ultrasound), acknowledging their distinct mechanisms. Evidence quality is generally low to moderate.

RESULTS

Proposed mechanisms of benefit include stress reduction, autonomic regulation, blood pressure (BP) modulation, and improved microcirculation. Animal studies suggest renal protective effects, while small human trials in hemodialysis patients report reductions in anxiety, pain, and BP. Evidence in peritoneal dialysis and transplantation remains scarce. Vibroacoustic and frequency-specific sound stimulation appear promising but are insufficiently studied.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary evidence indicates that sound therapy may improve comfort and psychological well-being in renal patients, with possible physiological benefits. However, the evidence base is weak. Large, well-designed, multidisciplinary trials are required to establish efficacy, optimize protocols, and assess safety before integration into routine nephrology care.