What are Binaural Beats

The neurons in our brain communicate through electrical signals, generating our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When many neurons fire in synchrony with the same rhythm, they produce what we call brain waves.

The four most common types of brain waves are Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. While all four brainwave patterns are always present in the brain, one usually dominates depending on what you are doing — whether you're focused, emotional, relaxed, or asleep. The dominant brainwave pattern at any moment determines your state of awareness.

The brain's ability to shift smoothly between different brainwave frequencies is key to how well we manage stress, stay focused, and sleep soundly. Each brainwave pattern serves a specific purpose, helping us handle different situations—whether it's processing and learning new information or calming down after a long, stressful day.

Brainwave Types

The five types of brainwaves are categorised as follows

Delta (0.5 to 4 Hz)

Delta waves are the slowest brainwaves, typically produced during dreamless sleep and deep meditation. They are most commonly found in infants and young children, but as we grow older our production of delta waves decreases, even during deep sleep. These waves are linked to the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative sleep. Delta waves also play a role in regulating unconscious bodily functions like heartbeat, digestion, and the production of growth and anti-aging hormones. Adequate delta wave activity helps us feel fully refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night's sleep.

Theta (4 to 8 Hz)

Theta waves are associated with daydreaming, dreams, deep meditation, hypnosis, and the early stages of sleep (stage 1). These brainwaves are connected to experiencing deep, raw emotions and are present when you feel "in the zone." Theta waves enhance intuition, creativity, and a sense of natural flow. Highly creative individuals often show higher than average levels of Theta activity. Additionally, Theta waves play a crucial role in learning, memory, and restorative sleep.

Alpha (8 to 12Hz)

When we start to relax or feel drowsy but remain awake and conscious, our brain enters the Alpha state. This frequency bridges the gap between our conscious thoughts and subconscious mind, helping us calm down and promoting deep relaxation. Alpha waves are linked to a peaceful, pleasant, almost floating sensation, often associated with meditation. Alcohol and certain drugs can increase Alpha wave activity. Artists, musicians, and creative thinkers tend to have higher levels of Alpha waves. However, when we become stressed, a phenomenon called "Alpha blocking" can occur, where excessive Beta activity reduces Alpha waves.

Beta (12 to 30Hz)

Beta waves are commonly observed when we are awake and alert. They play a key role in conscious thought, logical reasoning, and have a stimulating effect. The right amount of Beta waves helps us stay focused and efficiently complete tasks at work or school. Stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, and certain medications can increase Beta wave activity. However, too much Beta activity can lead to stress and anxiety. These fast brainwaves are dominant throughout the day, supporting activities like critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, reading, and social interactions.

Gamma (30Hz +)

Gamma waves play a crucial, though often supporting, role in brain activity. They are primarily present when a person is awake, but they are always accompanied by other brainwaves such as Beta, Alpha, Theta, or Delta. Gamma waves are involved in higher cognitive functions, including learning, memory, and information processing. The 40 Hz Gamma wave is believed to play a key role in integrating sensory information related to perception and is linked to learning new material. People with high levels of Gamma wave activity tend to be happier, more receptive, and may have higher IQs and better concentration. Elevated Gamma waves have also been observed during Buddhist meditation focused on compassion and in music listening experiments.

Recent research suggests that 40Hz Gamma stimulation could be beneficial in treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Study link.

Further Research

If you are interested in exploring more studies on brainwave entrainment, there are numerous scientific papers available. Click here to access them.

The difference between Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones

BINAURAL BEATS

ISOCHRONIC TONES

Continuous sound. Red lines indicate perceived beats

Pulses of sound

Binaural beats

Binaural beats are created by playing two pure sine waves of slightly different frequencies in each ear. For instance, if 200 Hz is played in one ear and 210 Hz in the other, the brain perceives a binaural beat of the difference, which is an Alpha frequency at 10 Hz. This effect produces a rhythmic pulsating sound when listened to through headphones. The sensation of binaural beats is thought to originate in the superior olivary nucleus, where the electrical signals from each ear converge in the brain.

• Binaural beats are generated within the brain and require the use of headphones to be effective.

• They are not effective above 30 Hz, as the frequency difference between the two tones must be 30 Hz or less for the beat to occur; otherwise, the tones will be heard separately. To achieve Gamma entrainment, isochronic tones are recommended instead.

• The tones used for binaural beats must be below 1,000 Hz for the beat to be noticeable.

• Binaural beats are generally considered more pleasant and hypnotic than isochronic tones. The volume only needs to be just above background noise for the effect to work.

Isochronic tones

Isochronic tones work by producing rhythmic beats at the desired frequency. For example, to achieve 10 Hz Alpha entrainment, 10 beats are emitted per second. While a sine wave is commonly used, any continuous sound can serve as the base. Our apps allow you to apply isochronic modulation to other sounds, with adjustable intensity, in addition to using a sine wave.

• Isochronic tones can be listened to through speakers or headphones, though the effect is stronger with headphones.

• They are generally considered more effective for brainwave entrainment but may not be as relaxing to listen to compared to binaural beats.

• Isochronic tones are less effective below 4 Hz, so for Delta wave entrainment, binaural beats are recommended.

Starting Frequency

At the start of a session, entrainment occurs more quickly when the brain's current state is close to the starting frequency. For instance, if you're fully awake and in a Beta state but want to entrain to Theta, beginning directly at a Theta frequency may be challenging for your brain to adjust.

Instead, when you close your eyes and relax, your brain naturally shifts into the Alpha state. Starting with a frequency around 12 Hz (Alpha) allows the brain to tune in more easily. Once entrained to this initial frequency, it's easier to gradually ramp up or down to the desired frequency range.

Frequently asked Questions

Is Brainwave Entrainment safe?

Yes, auditory brainwave entrainment is considered safe and has been researched for over 100 years. The brain naturally tends to entrain to any rhythmic stimulus, something you've likely experienced without realizing it—like the crackling and flickering of a fire, the sound of waves on the shore, or rhythmic drumming and chanting.

The main caution typically applies to people with epilepsy or those prone to seizures. This warning originates from photic brainwave entrainment (flashing lights). One of the earliest discoveries was made by Apuleius in 125 A.D., who found that flickering light from a rotating potter's wheel could trigger certain types of epilepsy.

While there is no strong scientific evidence linking auditory brainwave entrainment to seizures, if you're prone to seizures or pregnant (in case you're unaware of any seizure risk), it’s recommended that you consult a doctor before using it.

How to listen to Binaural Beats / Isochronic Tones

Ensure you're in a safe, comfortable environment free from distractions, either sitting or lying down. Avoid listening while performing activities that require full attention, such as driving or operating machinery. Typically, it's best to listen with your eyes closed for deeper relaxation. However, if you're using the tones for focus, such as while studying, it's perfectly fine to keep your eyes open, as your brain will primarily be in the Beta state.

How long should I listen for?

It ultimately depends on your comfort level. When you're just starting out, it's best to limit sessions to about 15 minutes. The ideal listening time also varies with the frequency range. For Beta or Gamma frequencies, which stimulate high brain activity, 30 minutes may be sufficient. However, if you're using Theta for relaxation, you can easily listen for an hour or more.

How long do the effects of Brainwave Entrainment last?

Brainwave entrainment is most often used for short-term benefits, helping guide your brain into a desired mental state when needed. The effects are strongest while you're listening because your brainwaves are synchronized with the specific frequency. After you stop, the effects can still linger, though the duration varies from person to person and depends on what you do next. For example, if you've used entrainment for deep relaxation, you may feel calm for several hours, but watching an action movie right after might shift your brain back to higher Beta and Gamma waves.

There’s no clear consensus on whether long-term effects exist, but some evidence suggests an accumulative effect. The more frequently you use brainwave entrainment, the easier it may become to naturally achieve the desired brainwave state on your own.