Binaural Beats Clinical Studies

Elizabeth's Scientific Studies

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Clinical Support for our Formulas

FOCUS

• Lane, J. D., Kasian, S. J., Owens, J. E., & Marsh, G. R. (1998). Binaural auditory beats affect vigilance performance and mood. Physiology & Behavior, 63(2), 249-252.

  In tests of mental focus, beta-frequency binaural beats supported participants in making more correct decisions. In addition, listening to beta-frequency beats was associated with having a less negative mood.

• Gantt, M. A., Dadds, S., Burns, D. S., Glaser, D., & Moore, A. D. (2017). The effect of binaural beat technology on the cardiovascular stress response inmilitary service members with postdeployment stress. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(4), 411–420. 

  Listening to beta binaural beats can improve mental focus. Binaural beats have an influence on the “relax or engage” switch of the autonomic nervous system. 

• Kirk, U., Wieghorst, A., Nielsen, C. M., & Staiano, W. (2019). On-the-spot binaural beats and mindfulness reduces behavioral markers of mind wandering. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 3(2), 186-192.

  Research shows that listening to beta binaural beats (14 Hz) enhanced mental focus cognitive control (sustained focus) and learning. Short attention span and mind wandering improved by 21% after listening to beta binaural beats.

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RELAX

• Garcia-Argibay, M., Santed, M. A., & Reales, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: A meta-analysis. Psychological Research, 83(2), 357–372.

  Listeners can use binaural beats to create behavioral change. Using a combination of frequencies such as alpha and theta has been shown to be the most effective approach for achieving desired effects.

• White, N. E., & Richards, L. M. (2023). Alpha–theta neurotherapy and the neurobehavioral treatment of addictions, mood disorders, and trauma. In Introduction to quantitative EEG and neurofeedback (pp. 397-410). Academic Press.

  Therapy using a combination of alpha and theta waves is gaining acceptance for treatment of trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders. Although there is some resistance to this innovative approach, use of binaural beats is increasing among mental health professionals.

• Abhang, P. A., Gawali, B. W., & Mehrotra, S. C. (2016). Introduction to EEG-and speech-based emotion recognition. Academic Press.

  Theta brainwaves are informally considered the “trance brainwave”. Theta brainwaves cause  deep relaxation and a blissful almost-sleep like state.

• Aparecido-Kanzler, S., Cidral-Filho, F. J., & Prediger, R. D. (2021). Effects of binaural beats and isochronic tones on brain wave modulation: Literature review. Revista mexicana de neurociencia, 22(6), 238-247.



  Based on the data reviewed in this study, binaural beats and isochronic tones BWE may effectively modulate mood states, improving attention, and memory processes. Promising results were also obtained in subjects suffering from different CNS disorders, including ADHD, PD, epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders.

• Jirakittayakorn, N., & Wongsawat, Y. (2017). Brain responses to a 6-Hz binaural beat: Effects on general theta rhythm and frontal midline theta activity. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11, Article 365.

  In 2017, Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat found that a 6 Hz theta BB on a 250 Hz carrier tone was a stimulus for inducing a meditative state.

• Gergely, S., Gergely, D., & Csaba, S. (2015). The effects of the expectation and sound stimuli    on the subjective experiences of binaural beat listening/Az elvarasok es a hanginger    szerepe a binauralis utemek hallgatasa soran atelt szubjektiv elmenyekre. Magyar    Pszichológiai Szemle, 70(4), 769-786.

  Szabó et al. (2015) studied delta and theta-alpha BB, and found that theta-alpha BB were capable of inducing a trance state of consciousness, noting that this subjective experience was influenced by preliminary instructions. Preliminary relaxation may be helpful for all relaxation techniques, including binaural beats.

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SLEEP

• Abhang, P. A., Gawali, B. W., & Mehrotra, S. C. (2016). Introduction to EEG-and speech-based emotion recognition. Academic Press.

  Theta brainwaves are informally considered the “trance brainwave”. Theta brainwaves cause  deep relaxation and a blissful almost-sleep like state.

• Abeln, V., Kleinert, J., Strüder, H. K., & Schneider, S. (2014). Brainwave entrainment for better sleep and post-sleep state of young elite soccer players - a pilot study. European Journal of Sport Science, 14(5), 393–402. doi:10.1080/17461391.2013.819384 


  Sport science researchers successfully used delta and theta binaural beats to enhance athletes’ sleep in relation to their mental and physical performance. Binaural beats in 2-8 Hz frequencies were used for the 8-week study.

• Jirakittayakorn, N., & Wongsawat, Y. (2018). A novel insight of effects of a 3-Hz binaural beat on sleep stages during sleep. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 12, 387.



  Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat (2018) found that a delta BB of 3 Hz caused a longer N3 sleep stage and a shorter N2 sleep stage. Additionally the N3 sleep stage latency was shorter.

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A.D.H.D.

• Aparecido-Kanzler, S., Cidral-Filho, F. J., & Prediger, R. D. (2021). Effects of binaural beats and isochronic tones on brain wave modulation: Literature review. Revista mexicana de neurociencia, 22(6), 238-247.



  Based on the data reviewed in this study, binaural beats and isochronic tones BWE may effectively modulate mood states, improving attention, and memory processes. Promising results were also obtained in subjects suffering from different CNS disorders, including ADHD, PD, epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders.

• Basu, S., & Banerjee, B. (2023). Potential of binaural beats intervention for improving memory and attention: Insights from meta-analysis and systematic review. Psychological Research, 87(4), 951-963.

  The findings of the paper stated that binaural beats have an effect on neural rhythms and corollary states of consciousness. Listening to binaural beats can also improve attention and memory in humans.

• Malandrone, F., Spadotto, M., Boero, M., Bracco, I. F., & Oliva, F. (2022). A pilot add-on Randomized-Controlled Trial evaluating the effect of binaural beats on study performance, mind-wandering, and core symptoms of adult ADHD patients. European Psychiatry, 65(S1), S274-S274. 

  Research with adults with ADHD focused the problem of on mind wandering during study. Listening to binaural beats improved self-reported studying performance and reduced intensity of ADHD symptoms.

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MOTIVATION

• Lane, J. D., Kasian, S. J., Owens, J. E., & Marsh, G. R. (1998). Binaural auditory beats affect vigilance performance and mood. Physiology & Behavior, 63(2), 249-252.

  In tests of mental focus, beta-frequency binaural beats supported participants in making more correct decisions. In addition, listening to beta-frequency beats was associated with having a less negative mood.

• Gantt, M. A., Dadds, S., Burns, D. S., Glaser, D., & Moore, A. D. (2017). The effect of binaural beat technology on the cardiovascular stress response in military service members with postdeployment stress. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(4), 411–420. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12304

  Listening to binaural beats can improve cognitive function. Binaural beats have an influence on the “relax or engage” switch of the autonomic nervous system. 

• Kirk, U., Wieghorst, A., Nielsen, C. M., & Staiano, W. (2019). On-the-spot binaural beats and mindfulness reduces behavioral markers of mind wandering. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 3(2), 186-192.

  Research shows that listening to binaural beats in beta frequency (14 Hz) enhanced cognitive control (sustained focus) and learning. The problem associated with short attention span and mind wandering improved by 21% after listening to beta beats

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STUDY

• Cvijectic, S. (2022). What are beta brainwaves? Improve focus and motivation with beta brainwave entrainment. Owlcation.

  Beta brain waves are one of the four main brain waves (the other ones are alpha theta and delta brain waves). The human brain is always functioning in one of the four brain wave states. We are in beta brain wave state when studying, working, or doing task that require sharp mental focus. 

• Radi, N. A. M., & Nasaruddin, N. H. (2022). Brainwaves activities during resting state: A neurofeedback case study. Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, 8(1), 100-111. DOI: 

  Beta waves show up on neurofeedback measures with the highest range of brainwaves, while alpha wave show up as the lowest. Anxiety, excitement, and mental focus are associated with the greatest amount of brain beta waves.

• Kirk, U., Wieghorst, A., Nielsen, C. M., & Staiano, W. (2019). On-the-spot binaural beats and mindfulness reduces behavioral markers of mind wandering. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 3(2), 186-192.

  Research shows that listening to binaural beats in beta frequency (14 Hz) enhanced cognitive control (sustained focus) and learning. The problem associated with short attention span and mind wandering improved by 21% after listening to beta beats

• Fatima, M., Siddique, B., & Ahmed, M. (2019). Effect of binaural beats on saccadic ocular motion. Pakistan Journal of Science, 71(4), 169.

  Fatima et al. (2019) found that exposure to beta BB reduced the largest angle of ocular deviation by 36.3% (p. 1). Clinical applications may include rehabilitation by improving saccadic control and reading in dyslexics.

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CREATIVITY

• Bergland, C. (2015). Alpha brain waves boost creativity and reduce depression: Increasing alpha brain waves can stimulate creativity and minimize depression. 

  Alpha wave sounds have been found to be effective for treating anxiety and depression. Alpha waves are linked with relaxed and happy mental states, and EEG can provide moment-to-moment feedback showing brain changes in alpha brain waves.

• Stevens Jr, C. E., & Zabelina, D. L. (2019). Creativity comes in waves: An EEG-focused exploration of the creative brain. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 27, 154-162. 

  Creativity can be defined as the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts or ideas and making new associations between them. Research shows that alpha-band and theta-band brain activity play key roles in the creative process.

• Reedijk, S. A., Bolders, A., & Hommel, B. (2013). The impact of binaural beats on creativity. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7(786).

  Alpha and theta binaural beats augment information processing systems in the brain by sending instructions to areas involved in creativity. Binaural beats are a resonance technology that enhance the brainwaves that the brain produces in the desired states.

• Garcia-Argibay, M., Santed, M. A., & Reales, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: A meta-analysis. Psychological Research, 83(2), 357-372 

  Binaural beats have the ability to create behavioral change, and duration of exposure more than 9 minutes magnified their effect.  Multi-layered frequencies such as combined alpha and theta that mimic brain states are most effective for achieving specific goals.

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FEEL GOOD

• Bergland, C. (2015). Alpha brain waves boost creativity and reduce depression: Increasing alpha brain waves can stimulate creativity and minimize depression.

  Alpha wave sounds have been found to be effective for treating anxiety and depression. Alpha waves are linked with relaxed and happy mental states, and EEG can provide moment-to-moment feedback showing brain changes in alpha brain waves.

• Isik, B. K., Esen, A., Büyükerkmen, B., Kilinç, A., & Menziletoglu, D. (2017). Effectiveness of binaural beats in reducing preoperative dental anxiety. The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 55(6), 571–574.

  Binaural beats have been found to relieve anxiety. Listening to alpha binaural beats has been shown to  reduce anxiety in pre-operative dental patients.

• Perales, F. J., Riera, L., Ramis, S., & Guerrero, A. (2019). Evaluation of a VR system for Pain Management using binaural acoustic stimulation. Multimedia tools and applications, 78(23), 32869-32890.

  Perales et al. (2019) found that in a laboratory virtual reality environment (VR), alpha BB
worked better than non-BB for relaxation and meditation.

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INTIMACY

• Ortigue, S., Patel, N., & Bianchi-Demicheli, F. (2009). New electroencephalogram (EEG) neuroimaging methods of analyzing brain activity applicable to the study of human sexual response. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(7), 1830-1845.

  Brain mapping using EEG shows that sexual intimacy involves rapid changes in the brain’s septal region, as well as the amygdala and thalamus. This brain network is driven by complex emotions including empathy, as well as body image. Alpha waves may facilitate sexual response by promoting relaxation.

• Wise, N. J., Frangos, E., Komisaruk, B.R. Brain activity unique to orgasm in women: An fMRI analysis. (2017, November). Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(11),1380-1391. 

  Research on women’s sexuality using an MRI show that certain brain regions are activated during orgasm including sensory, motor, reward, frontal cortical, and the brainstem. Since relaxation is a key support for sexual expression, alpha waves may support women’s sexuality.

• Isik, B. K., Esen, A., Büyükerkmen, B., Kilinç, A., & Menziletoglu, D. (2017). Effectiveness of binaural beats in reducing preoperative dental anxiety. The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 55(6), 571–574.

  Binaural beats have been found to relieve anxiety. Listening to alpha binaural beats has been shown to reduce anxiety in pre-operative dental patients.

• Perales, F. J., Riera, L., Ramis, S., & Guerrero, A. (2019). Evaluation of a VR system for Pain Management using binaural acoustic stimulation. Multimedia tools and applications, 78(23), 32869-32890.

  Perales et al. (2019) found that in a laboratory virtual reality environment (VR), alpha BB
worked better than non-BB for relaxation and meditation.

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WALKING

• Scanlon, J. E., Jacobsen, N. S. J., Maack, M. C., & Debener, S. (2022). Stepping in time: Alpha‐mu and beta oscillations during a walking synchronization task. Neuroimage, 253, 119099.

  Humans tend to synchronize their movements during repetitive movement tasks such as walking. Humans and animals that walk together tend to match their gait to that of their partners, which promotes bonding and social cohesion.

• Styns, F., van Noorden, L., Moelants, D., & Leman, M. (2007). Walking on music. Human Movement Science, 26(5), 769-785.

  Research shows that people tend to walk faster and with more rhythm when listening to music. There is a close relationship between music and the urge to move the body.

• Ikeda, S., Nozawa, T., Yokoyama, R., Miyazaki, A., Sasaki, Y., Sakaki, K., & Kawashima, R. (2017). Steady beat sound facilitates both coordinated group walking and inter-subject neural synchrony. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 11, 147.

  Walking to a steady beat sound led to more harmonized inter-personal cognitive processes, promoting inter-subject neural synchrony, which resulted in the more coordinated group motion.

• Garcia-Argibay, M., Santed, M. A., & Reales, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: A meta-analysis. Psychological Research, 83(2), 357-372 

  Listeners can use binaural beats to create behavioral change. Using a combination of frequencies such as alpha and theta has been shown to be the most effective approach for achieving desired effects.

• White, N. E., & Richards, L. M. (2023). Alpha–theta neurotherapy and the neurobehavioral treatment of addictions, mood disorders, and trauma. In Introduction to quantitative EEG and neurofeedback (pp. 397-410). Academic Press.

  Therapy using a combination of alpha and theta waves is gaining acceptance for treatment of trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders. Although there is some resistance to this innovative approach, use of binaural beats is increasing among mental health professionals.

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RELAXATION

• Garcia-Argibay, M., Santed, M. A., & Reales, J. M. (2019). Efficacy of binaural auditory beats in cognition, anxiety, and pain perception: A meta-analysis. Psychological Research, 83(2), 357-372 

  Listeners can use binaural beats to create behavioral change. Using a combination of frequencies such as alpha and theta has been shown to be the most effective approach for achieving desired effects.

• White, N. E., & Richards, L. M. (2023). Alpha–theta neurotherapy and the neurobehavioral treatment of addictions, mood disorders, and trauma. In Introduction to quantitative EEG and neurofeedback (pp. 397-410). Academic Press.

  Therapy using a combination of alpha and theta waves is gaining acceptance for treatment of trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders. Although there is some resistance to this innovative approach, use of binaural beats is increasing among mental health professionals.

• Abhang, P. A., Gawali, B. W., & Mehrotra, S. C. (2016). Introduction to EEG-and speech-based emotion recognition. Academic Press.

  Theta brainwaves are informally considered the “trance brainwave”. Theta brainwaves cause  deep relaxation and a blissful almost-sleep like state.

• Jirakittayakorn, N., & Wongsawat, Y. (2017). Brain responses to a 6-Hz binaural beat: effects on general theta rhythm and frontal midline theta activity. Frontiers in neuroscience, 11, 365.

  In 2017, Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat found that a 6 Hz theta BB on a 250 Hz carrier tone was a stimulus for inducing a meditative state.

• Gergely, S., Gergely, D., & Csaba, S. (2015). The effects of the expectation and sound stimuli on the subjective experiences of binaural beat listening/Az elvarasok es a hanginger szerepe a binauralis utemek hallgatasa soran atelt szubjektiv elmenyekre. Magyar Pszichológiai Szemle, 70(4), 769-786.

  Szabó et al. (2015) studied delta and theta-alpha BB, and found that theta-alpha BB were capable of inducing a trance state of consciousness, noting that this subjective experience was influenced by preliminary instructions. Preliminary relaxation may be helpful for all relaxation techniques, including binaural beats.