How binaural beats work
A binaural beat is a perceived pulse that your brain creates when each ear hears a slightly different frequency. With a 195 Hz tone in the left ear and 205 Hz in the right, you hear a soft "wah-wah" at the difference, 10 Hz. It only works with stereo headphones, because each ear must hear one tone on its own.
Frequency bands
- Delta (0.5–4 Hz): associated with deep sleep
- Theta (4–8 Hz): drowsiness and meditation
- Alpha (8–13 Hz): relaxed, calm alertness
- Beta (13–30 Hz): active focus
- Gamma (30–45 Hz): studied for attention and memory
What the evidence says
Research results are mixed. Some small studies report modest effects on anxiety, mood or attention, while others find little difference from plain relaxing sound. Treat binaural beats as a relaxation aid, not a medical treatment. Don't use them while driving, and speak to a doctor first if you have epilepsy. Keep the volume low: the beat is subtle by design. For simple background sound, try the noise generator.
Frequently asked questions
Do binaural beats need headphones?
Yes. Each ear must hear a different tone, which speakers cannot do.
Are binaural beats proven to work?
The evidence is mixed. Some small studies show relaxation benefits, but they are not a medical treatment.
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