There are those who define binaural sounds as the new “technological drug” . The objective of the auditory phenomenon is to create a sensation of three-dimensionality in our brain. This effect is achieved by generating two types of slightly different sound frequencies in each ear through the headphones, in this way, we end up perceiving a third sound, one that simultaneously causes a series of sensations sound bath training.
Calmness, well-being, tickling, sensory stimulation… What this type of experience produces varies greatly from one person to another, however, what does seem to be clear is that it leaves almost no one indifferent.
Is there scientific support for binaural sounds?
There are no 100% conclusive studies that support its effectiveness, so until now binaural beat therapy is in the experimental phase. This does not mean that there are thousands of people who use this practice daily to relax, reduce insomnia, improve their concentration, or simply experience the pleasure of the sensation it provokes in them.
An example, on the I-Doser website , created by a psychologist specialized in audio and music, defines binaural sounds as something addictive that produces enormous pleasure. Hence they define it as the new digital drug. However, experts say it can improve your mood , but in some cases it is mere suggestion .
Binaural sounds, a phenomenon with historical antecedents
Binaural sounds are based on the fact that the right and left ears receive a slightly different frequency tone, but the brain, for its part, perceives them as a single tone, a faster and singularly pleasant one. For example, listening to a frequency of 120 Hertz (Hz) in one ear and 132 in the other would produce a 12 Hz binaural beat.
Now, something that seems so sophisticated to us is actually not a new topic for the world of science. It was in 1839, when Heinrich Wilhelm Dove , a Prussian physicist, already discovered this same thing . He realized that something as simple as listening to constant tones played at slightly different frequencies in each ear causes a person to perceive a different sound. Dr. Dove defined this as a “binaural beat.”
Since then, this type of experience has been used experimentally in clinical settings. An attempt has been made to verify whether it improved the quality of sleep and, at the same time, reduced the feeling of anxiety . The results are very variable, showing us over the decades that there are those who find it works and there are those who are simply indifferent.
Binaural sounds to reduce anxiety or the sensation of physical pain
There are those who use binaural sounds with the idea of reducing their anxiety. Other people, those who suffer pain due to injuries, joint problems or even migraines, also resort to this type of therapy.
Thus, in a study carried out in the Department of Behavioral Sciences of the National University of Distance Education (UNED), Dr. Miguel García found a medium degree of effectiveness.
Binaural beats were effective only in a limited number of patients. After two weeks with a listening time of 20 minutes, 26% of the sample reduced their level of anxiety and perception of pain thanks to binaural sounds .
Binaural therapy for insomnia
Research work on binaural sounds applied to patients with insomnia problems is more significant. Studies such as the one carried out at the University of Romania, support its effectiveness in a very specific aspect: it can help us reconcile rest sooner.
Regarding the fact of avoiding frequent awakenings or whether the quality of sleep is more restorative and deep, to date there is no conclusive data. Once again differences arise, there are those who have been helped to improve their quality of life by promoting night rest and there are patients who do not show improvement .
Relaxation and improvement in mood
Listening to binaural sounds for 10 minutes each day, at a frequency of 6 Hz, can improve our mood . It does this by generating a sensation in our brain that simulates a meditation session . The person, therefore, perceives himself as more relaxed, receptive to his surroundings and with a feeling of serenity and balance capable of enhancing motivation and positivity…
Binaural sounds and working memory
For its part, a study explored the effect of binaural sounds on working memory capacity. To do this, they used a sample of 50 participants, who were separated into two groups. One of them underwent binaural beat stimulation while listening to the sound of the sea; while the other group listened only to the sound of the sea, without binaural beat stimulation.
During the research, working memory capacity was measured before and after stimulation. As the researchers expected, only participants who were stimulated with binaural sounds showed an improvement in working memory capacity.
All of this outlines a series of improvements that we may find very interesting. However, we emphasize what much of the research tells us: there is a lot of variability. More work is needed to understand what changes it produces at the brain level so that there are those who benefit so significantly from this type of therapy.
The fact that the data is not conclusive does not make it less interesting, in fact, we can test the experience to know what sensations it provokes in each of us in particular. It is enough to have good stereo headphones and press play on any of the videos that we can find on YouTube on this topic . It never hurts to immerse ourselves in the curious universe of sounds.