What are binaural beats?
Binaural Beats are when two different sound frequencies are heard simultaneously and separately in the left and right ears. The result is the illusion of a third “difference” tone at a pitch that matches the two original frequencies. The difference between the two real frequencies creates a brainwave state suggestion.
The therapeutic goal is to send a specific frequency to entrain the brain into the desired state. For example, if 440 Hz is directed into one ear, and 447 Hz is directed into the other. The brain will manufacture the 7 Hz difference as it processes and reconciles the data. This frequency of 7 Hz is in the range of theta, and therefore suggests a theta brainwave state, which is observed to create a relaxed, meditative, and receptive cognitive state.
WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTED BENEFITS OF BINAURAL BEATS?
Science has demonstrated through dozens of clinical studies and peer-reviewed published papers that binaural beats can help with the following:
✓ Reduce Stress
✓ Reduce Anxiety
✓ Reduce Depression
✓ Decrease pain
✓ Decrease need for pain medications
✓ Improve Relaxation
✓ Improve Sleep
✓ Increase Attention
✓ Increase Focus and Concentration
✓ Improve Memory
WHERE’S THE SCIENCE?
There have been dozens of clinical studies completed and published in established peer-reviewed journals establishing the many benefits of binaural beats.
The seminal compilation of these studies can be found in Dr. Elizabeth Krasnoff’s dissertation published in 2021 (link: https://www.proquest.com/openview/a00b76ff90822568b6e3151ddcdf2072/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y)
WHAT BINAURAL BEAT FREQUENCY IS BEST?
The answer entirely depends on what you want to accomplish.
1. DELTA (1 to 4Hz): These frequencies are associated with deep sleep and relaxation. When you want to go to sleep or listen while you’re sleeping, select the Delta binaural beat.
2. THETA (4 to 8hz): These frequencies are associated with REM Sleep, deep meditation, reduced anxiety, and creativity. This brainwave is also wonderful for reprogramming your subconscious mind. When you want to meditate or watch affirmations while in a deeper meditation, select the Theta binaural beat.
3. ALPHA (8 to 13Hz): These frequencies are associated with relaxation, positivity and decreased anxiety. They can be used when you’re in a wakeful, but relaxed state. Use this frequency when you want to listen or watch affirmations while in an awake, relaxed state.
ARE BINAURAL BEATS A PLACEBO?
According to Dr. Krasnoff, It is clear that binaural beats are not a placebo, but the subject of evidence-based studies with positive outcomes. Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat (2018) tested the effects of binaural while the subjects were asleep and found a benefit, making a placebo effect unlikely.
Binaural beats have also demonstrated positive effects in animals, who are believed to not have placebo effects.
https://www.proquest.com/openview/a00b76ff90822568b6e3151ddcdf2072/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
SOURCES:
1) A prospective, randomized, controlled study examining binaural beat audio and pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing general anesthesia for day case surgery
https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2044.2005.04287.x
2) Binaural Beat Technology in Humans: A Pilot Study To Assess Psychologic and Physiologic Effects
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2006.6196
3) Original sound compositions reduce anxiety in emergency department patients: a randomised controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22171868/