Binaural beats might be considered a modern technology but were initially discovered around 1839 when an associate professor at the University of Berlin, Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, accidentally discovered them. Through experimentation with tuning forks, Dove discovered that when one sound entered one ear and a second sound with a slightly different frequency entered the other, a third effect happens. This effect is a new frequency or pulsation in the brain that is considered an auditory illusion. But that part of the equation was not known technically until much later.

Jump forward to the groovy 1960s and early 70s when Dr Gerald Oster later published his findings in 1973 in Scientific American after he too had conducted extensive research. Oster died in the early 1990s, and others have continued the work. For many years, The Monroe Institute utilized binaural beats to induce various brain states and performed quite a bit of research with them as well.

Since then, technology has allowed us to advance our knowledge further and, more studies have taken place to test the impact they have on our brains. Ultimately, binaural beat compositions are designed to induce brain synchronization in the listener and move the listener into a specific brain state like the Alpha or Theta states where rest and healing happen.

Binaural beats appear to engage more neural circuits than conventional hearing.

Brainwave synchronization has a positive impact on the brain.

Synchronization of brainwaves happens when both hemispheres or different parts of your brain are in tune with one another. Resonance patterns begin to form, and these resonant electrical circuits humming together encode new information (moving from rote learning to understanding). According to researchers, synchronization is a precursor to the changes in synapses - the connections between neurons (neurons are the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system) - that underlie learning and long-term memory formation. Meaning synchronized brain waves enable rapid learning. This shows that our brains are malleable and changing (neuroplasticity).

Our nervous system is both electrical and chemical. When our brainwave patterns change, there is also a change in chemical reactions within the body. Hence, this can have a profound effect on your entire bodily structure. The findings of a 2018 study suggest that listening to binaural beats for a recommended period can affect a person's subsequent behaviour, and sleep cycles as well.

There is numerous anecdotal evidence, and many scientific studies too with real data, but in the world that demands more and more proof, intensive studies needs to be done to go even deeper into the true value and non-invasive benefits they can provide to people in pain and with other ailments.

My own experience with a healing with binaural beats include something that would be considered anecdotal evidence since I was not a part of a study. Eleven years ago, when I had eye surgery, I purposefully used binaural beats meant to create a healing state immediately following the operation. The results were in, and the doctor who had performed thousands of operations checked my eyes not once but twice on the second follow-up visit. Why? Because he could not believe his eyes  - pun intended. My eyesight was the best result he ever recorded in all the years he had performed this surgery.

Today several companies, as well as independent producers, create sounds for us to utilize. Most of the time binaural beats are designed for pain reduction, to induce deep meditative states, and for healing specific ailments and conditions. You can produce binaural beats yourself with free software gnaural.

Binaural beats can be used or combined with many other self-improvement tools, such as subliminal recordings, affirmations or visualizations, etc. Combining these tools can enhance your healing and personal development journies as they create deep states of relaxation as you enter into Alpha and Theta brainwave states where rest and healing happen.

P.S. Whilst listening, never drive or operate any machinery where your attention is required whilst listening.

Gamma is measured between 30 and 44 (Hz) and is the only frequency group found in every part of the brain. Thought to be the state where we integrate information from various parts of the brain.

Above 12 Hz

It is the alert, eyes open state that most of brain is in when we are listening and thinking (analytical problem solving, judgment, decision making) and processing information about the world around us.

8 to 12 Hz

Alpha bridges the conscious to the subconscious. It is the major rhythm seen in normal relaxed adults – it is present during most of life especially beyond the thirteenth year. 

relaxed, not agitated, but not drowsy; tranquil, conscious

centering, healing, mind/body connection

Low alpha 8-10

inner-awareness of self, mind/body integration, balance

Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between wakefulness and sleep and relates to the subconscious mind. After age 13 it is not a regular brain state in human beings in their waking state but is normal during sleep. It is normal for young people to move in and out of this state (up to 13 years old). 

Healing and Integration of Mind Body: intuitive, creative, fantasy, imagery, creative, dreamlike, “oneness”, “knowing”

DEEP DREAMLESS SLEEP

Decreased awareness of the outer world. It is the dominant rhythm in infants up to one year of age and it is present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep.

Deep dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance, unconscious