What are binaural beats or sounds?
Binaural beats are a type of auditory illusion created by playing two different sounds into each ear.
The brain then creates a third, imaginary sound which is the difference between the two frequencies. This third sound is what we hear as the binaural beat. For example, if one frequency played into the left ear is 300 Hz and another played into the right ear is 310 Hz, then the binaural beat would have a frequency of 10 Hz.
There are many potential benefits to using binaural audio frequencies. You can use them for relaxation or meditation, as they can help to slow down the brain waves. Some people use them for concentration or focus, as they can help to increase your alertness and cognitive function.
There is also some evidence to suggest that binaural beats can help to improve your sleep quality and reduce stress levels. Although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits, there is a growing body of evidence to support their use. If you‘re considering trying any binaural , be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure that they are safe for you.
How binaural sounds work?
Binaural sounds work by creating two different tones, one in each ear. These tones cause the brain to create a third tone, which is the difference between the two frequencies. This third tone then changes the brain wave frequency.
There are four main brain wave states: alpha, beta, delta, and theta.
You can alter these by using binaural beats.
Which brain wave frequency to chose?
- Alpha: Binaural sound frequencies have been shown to be effective in altering brainwave frequency to alpha waves. One study found that binaural beats were able to effectively increase alpha wave activity in the brain (Nagai, Y., Kuriyama, N., Nakamura, Y., & Hirakawa, S. (2004). Effects of 4 Hz binaural beat audio on attentional performance and electroencephalographic activity. This suggests that binaural beats stimulating alpha brain wave frequency may be a useful tool for enhancing relaxation and reducing stress.
- Beta brainwaves are associated with high levels of alertness and concentration. Benefits of being in a beta state include improved mental clarity, increased focus and motivation, and enhanced problem–solving ability. Additionally, research has shown that binaural beats can help improve memory recall and performance on cognitive tasks.
- Delta brainwaves are the lowest frequency waves produced by the human brain. They range between 0.1 and 4 Hz, with a peak at around 2.5 Hz. Delta waves are associated with deep sleep, and can be induced through meditation or binaural beats. Research has shown that delta brainwave activity is linked to increased production of melatonin (a hormone that regulates sleep), decreased cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and reduced inflammation. These effects can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved overall health.
- Binaural beats in the Theta frequency range have been shown to increase creativity, imagination, and to reduce stress and anxiety.
Theta brainwaves occur in a state of very deep relaxation; they are associated with feelings of floating or drifting away, as well as heightened creativity and decreased anxiety (Bianchi & Caprioli, 2013). Listening to binaural beats with a theta frequency has been shown to increase task–switching ability (Fernandez & Johnson, 2012) and reduce impulsivity (Mozley et al., 2016). Additionally, theta binaural beats have been found to improve performance on measures of attention and working memory (Stickgold & Walker, 2007).
So if you’re looking for a more creative state or you’d like to improve memory, try the Thetha frequency.
Read how meditation can also alter the natural brainwave frequency and what are the mind and body benefits.
Where can I find binaural sounds or beats?
There are an absolutely vast number of binaural sounds available on YouTube. You can find everything from white noise and rain sounds to more specific recordings like ASMR or meditation music. Binaural frequencies can be incredibly helpful in promoting relaxation, focus, and sleep. You can also use them for less serious purposes like providing background ambiance for a study session, or helping you get through a particularly difficult work day. Whatever your needs, there is almost certainly a binaural sound that can help you out.
ALPHA Binaural Beats:
BETA Binaural Beats:
DELTA Binaural Beats:
THETA Binaural Beats:
Conclusion
Certain types of binaural sounds can help improve memory recall, while others have found that they may increase creativity.
Overall, there is still much research needed in order determine all of the potential ways in which this unique audio phenomenon can be utilised effectively – but early indications suggest that there are numerous possibilities worth exploring further!