Photo: Mars P
Do Binaural Beats actually work? Well, the short answer is… “Yes!” (If you want to try Binaural Beats, get some free ones here or check out The Brain Vault here)
This is a summary of the Binaural Beats research I have collected and analysed over the past four years. This clinical, scientific & PHD research will help you to understand exactly what using Binaural Beats will do for your brain, body & wellbeing.
You’ll find research into how Binaural Beats can increase relaxation; change the production of hormones in the body; reduce anxiety and stress… and much more. I genuinely hope this article will inspire you to fit Binaural Beats into your personal growth routine.
I’ve arranged the research by category, to help you scan & find what you’re looking for …
Proof: Therapeutic Qualities of Binaural Beats
This section demonstrates the psychological benefits of using binaural beats.
1) “A Comprehensive Review of the Psychological Effects of Brainwave Entrainment”, Tina L Huang, PHD, and Christine Charyton, PHD.
This research paper nicely summarises 20 previous peer-reviewed studies into the psychological effects of Brainwave Entrainment & Binaural Beats.
The overall conclusion is that brainwave entrainment is an “effective therapeutic tool”. People suffering from cognitive functioning deficits, stress, pain, headaches & migraines, PMS and other behavioural problems all benefitted from using binaural beats.
A sample quote: “The immediate psychological effects on memory, attention, stress, pain, headaches and migraines were shown to benefit from even a single session of brainwave entrainment”.
One study even found that improvements in intelligence and behaviour lasted after the binaural beats were withdrawn, and that previous users could now produce the brainwave frequencies induced by BWE on their own. This suggests that the results can be permanent, even after you stop using binaural beats.
2) Research Papers from Wilson, 1990, and Rhodes, 1993
Conclusion: Binaural Beats increase relaxation, meditation, pain management, improve sleep, and reduce stress.
3) Research Paper from Hiew, 1995
Conclusion: Binaural Beats help to increase creativity, relaxation and meditation.
4) Research from Robert Monroe, Monroe Institute
Binaural Beats “increase focus, problem solving, creativity, memory, learning, sleep induction, pain control and enhanced learning”.
This study was also reported in the 1986 book Megabrain, by Michael Hutchison.
Proof: Effects of Binaural Beats on the Body
This research focusses on the impact of Binaural Beats on the body (including hormone production).
1) Research by Dr Vincent Giampapa, MD, Former President of American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine
Dr Giampapa suggested that binaural beats “dramatically” impact the production of three hormones directly related to longevity of life and overall well-being; cortisol, DHEA and melatonin:
Cortisol is found in the adrenal glands and impacts learning and memory. Too much of it is bad for us and causes stress. DHEA is used as a “source ingredient” for virtually every “good hormone” the body needs, and helps our immune system. Melatonin is the chemical produced during deep, natural sleep. Having lots of DHEA and melatonin is good for us.
In a separate binaural beat research study using Holosync branded binaural beats:
- cortisol levels went down by an average of 46%
- DHEA increased by an average of 43%
- melatonin production increased by an average of 98%.
These results alone are rather staggering, and demonstrate strong physiological benefits from using Binaural Beats.
2) Dr Margaret Patterson & Dr Ifor Capel, Marie Curie Cancer Foundation Research Department
Binaural Beats which take the user into the Alpha brainwave state aids production of serotonin, a hormone which increases relaxation and eases pain.
Binaural beats which take users into the theta brainwave state help boost production of catecholamines, which are vital to memory and learning.
Proof: Effects of Binaural Beats on the Mind
This research looks at the links between Binaural Beats & IQ / Intelligence.
1) Research Paper by Dr Siegried Othmer
In this study brain wave entrainment usage was shown to produce average IQ increases of 23%.
In cases where the IQ was lower than 100 to begin with, the average IQ increase was 33 points.
Dr Othmer also reported “dramatic improvements” in the subjects’ visual retention (i.e. memory), auditory memory, reading and arithmetic.
In a follow-up study after one year, Dr Othmer reported “major” long-term improvements in self-esteem and concentration, and “significant” improvements in sleep patterns, irritability, organisation… and even handwriting.
Proof: Effects of Binaural Beats on Anxiety
This research considers the impact Binaural Beats have on people who suffer from mild anxiety. (Note – if you suffer from anxiety, please consult a Doctor before using this technology!)
1) Alternative Therapy Health & Medicine, 2001
This study looked at the effectiveness of binaural beats for the treatment of anxiety. Subjects used them 5 times a week for four weeks. The result was that listening to binaural beats caused a “significant reduction” in the subjects’ anxiety score.
2) Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, Jan / Feb 2007, “Binaural Beat Technology in Humans: A Pilot Study to Assess the Psychological and Physiological Effects”, by Helane Wahbeh, Carlo Calabrese, Heather Zwickey.
This research study involved 8 healthy adults over a 60 day period.
The subjects who used binaural beats reported a “decrease in anxiety, and an increase in the quality of life”.
Effects of Binaural Beats on Sleep Patterns
I’ve only found one Binaural Beat research paper on the effects of brainwave entrainment on sleep – however almost everyone I know who has used them enjoys better, deeper sleep.
1) Dr Arthur Hastings, PHD, 1975, “Tests of the Sleep Induction Technique”
Summary: Binaural Beats usage influences people to fall asleep.
Nice and simple for you there! 
Binaural Beat Research into Depression
This study looked into levels of depression in alcoholics…
… But if you are a depressed alcoholic, please consult a Doctor! If you’re not, you’ll probably find the results of this illuminating:
1) Research Paper by Peniston and Kulkosky, 1989
This experiment involved two groups of alcoholics; one group was sent to a regular “12 step” AA programme for help with their condition (control group); the other group received no counselling but were sent for 15 twenty-minute sessions of alpha and theta binaural beats usage (experimental group).
Within the AA-attending control group, alcoholism relapse rates 13 months after the test were at 80%. There was no change in levels of depression (as measured by Beck’s Depression Inventory).
Within the Binaural Beat using experimental group, 13 months later there was only a 20% relapse, and levels of depression had reduced to that of a third, non-alcoholic control group.
This is a *huge* improvement on the AA results!
2) Research Paper by Waldkoetter and Sanders, 1997
This research paper also suggested that Brain Wave Entrainment decreased symptoms of depression in alcoholic test subjects.
Therefore, if you’re drunk and depressed (and have your Doctor’s approval!), feel free to get yourself some Binaural Beats!
Proof that Brainwave Entrainment Works
Here is a selection of studies and research papers that prove that Brainwave Entrainment technology (such as Binaural Beats) work.
1) “Auditory Beats in the Brain”, Dr Gerald Oster, 1973, Scientific American
In this first piece of Binaural Beat research, Dr Oster conclusively proved that Binaural Beats do cause Brain Wave Entrainment. This essentially means that Binaural Beat frequencies DO affect the brainwaves by entraining them. I.e. they work as advertised
2) “On the Frequency Limits of Binaural Beats”, Harvard & Acoustical Society of America
This study also confirmed that the brain synchronises when Binaural Beats are played.
3) Dr Lester Fehmi, Director of Princeton Behavioural Medicine & Biofeedback Clinic
Dr Fehmi confirmed that Brainwave Synchronization (i.e. left brain and right brain operating in harmony) and Brainwave Entrainment can be induced by binaural beats.
This was also reported in the 1986 book Megabrain, by Michael Hutchison.
4) Research Paper by Foster, 1990
Conclusion: Alpha Binaural Beats DO increase Alpha brainwaves.
5) “EEG Disentrainment Feedback”, Dr Ochs, 1993
This paper suggests that there is no need for subjects to be consciously trying to do anything when listening to Binaural Beats to get results.
Simply listening to them is enough!
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
I hope this information has inspired you to seize the opportunity to improve your wellbeing in a safe, fun & natural way. Enjoy your binaural beats experiences! I reckon you’ll have lots of fun – and your body, mind & spirit will thank you for using them. Enjoy.
