Would someone be able to tell me if dates very finely blended into a paste would be a radically safer alternative to add in place of normal sugar? Or is that basically just "free sugar" too when you blend it too fine?

For others here's something to possibly consider before using the thumping technique: I don't know if it's just me but the thumping technique just got me really really depressed when I found it, because it reminded me what it was like to hear silence again and the effects are quite short-lived. Not saying someone shouldn't try that if it gives them hope or some bit of happiness or relief, but if someone has a lifelong constant tinnitus and they have come to terms with their condition then sometimes it's better to just not think about what's lost and learn to live with life the way it is now. Everyone is different, but it's just something to consider before trying if you're living with the condition