Some people define binaural sounds as the new ‘technological drug’. The purpose of this auditory phenomenon is to create a sense of three-dimensionality in our brain. This effect is achieved by generating two slightly different types of sound frequencies in each ear through headphones. Thus, we end up sensing a third sound, which, in turn, provokes a series of sensations.
These sensory stimuli range from calm and well-being to tingling, which generates such experiences varies considerably from person to person, however, what seems clear is that almost no one is indifferent.
- Binaural sounds have become fashionable.
- To the point that so-called sound wave therapy appears as an alternative approach to treating anxiety and stress.
No 100% conclusive study confirms its effectiveness, which makes binaural heartbeat therapy currently in the experimental phase, which does not prevent thousands of people from using this practice daily to relax, reduce insomnia, improve their concentration or simply experience pleasure.
The I-Doser program, created by a psychologist specializing in audio and music, defines binaural sounds as addictive that produces enormous pleasure, so they have been defined as the new digital drug, experts agree that they can improve mood, although in most cases. cases is just a matter of suggestionability.
Let’s go a little further on this
Binaural sounds come from the fact that the right and left ears receive a slightly different height, but the brain perceives them as a unique, faster and particularly pleasant tone, for example, listening to a frequency of 120 Hertz (Hz) in one ear and 132 in the other would produce a binaural sound of 12 Hz.
This may seem sophisticated, but it’s not new to the world of science. Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, a Prussian physicist, made this discovery in 1839 and realized that something as simple as hearing constant tones reproduced at slightly different frequencies in each ear allowed the person to perceive a different sound. Dove defined this as a “binaural rhythm. “
Since then, binaural heartbeats have been used experimentally in clinical settings, an attempt was made to see if they improved sleep quality while reducing the feeling of anxiety, the results have been very variable in recent decades, as this method works for some others are indifferent to it.
Let’s see what science says
Some people use binaural sounds to reduce anxiety, but people who suffer from pain from injuries, joint problems or even migraines also use this type of therapy.
In a study conducted in the Department of Behavioral Sciences of the National University of Distance Education (UNED), Dr. Miguel García found an average degree of effectiveness, binaural sounds were only effective in a limited number of patients. After two weeks of listening to binaural sounds for 20 minutes, 26% reduced their anxiety level and their perception of pain.
More research is conducted on binaural sounds applied to patients with insomnia problems. Studies such as the one carried out at the Iuliu Ha’ieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, support its effectiveness in a very specific aspect: they can help us fall asleep faster.
To date there is no conclusive evidence of their ability to avoid frequent awakenings or promote more restful and deep sleep, differences again appear, as binaural sounds have helped some improve their quality of life by promoting night rest, while other patients have. showed no improvement.
Listening to binaural sounds for 10 minutes each day, at a frequency of 6 Hz, can improve mood by generating a sensation in the brain similar to a meditation session, so the person feels more relaxed and receptive to the environment. In addition, it has a sense of serenity and balance that can increase motivation and positivity.
All of this involves a number of improvements that may seem very interesting, however, we highlight what most research shows: there is a lot of variability, so more studies are needed to understand the changes they cause in the brain. can benefit significantly from this type of therapy.
The fact that the data is inconclusive does not make the binaural sounds less interesting, we can listen to them to discover what sensations provoke us, just have a good headset and read one of the videos found on YouTube on this topic. beneficial to immerse yourself in the curious world of sounds.