An apparatus for stimulating neurons that includes a stimulation unit for applying pulse-like tones, a measuring unit for picking up measurement signals that render neural activity by the stimulated neurons, a control. The control unit applies a first pulse train having varied pitch, takes the measurement signals picked up in response to the first pulse train to select a first pitch range or pitch in which there is phase synchronization between the pulse train and the neural activity, actuates the stimulation unit to apply two phase-shifted second pulse trains, the pitch of the pulse trains being varied in opposite directions and a pitch starting value of the second pulse trains based on first pitch range or pitch that is used to select a second pitch range or pitch resulting in minimum amplitude of the neural activity.