What are Binaural Beats
Binaural beats are created by introducing two tones differing frequency into each ear. If we play one tone at 100Hz in one ear and another tone at 114Hz in the other ear, the brain will detect a phase difference between the two wavelengths of each signal or tone. In nature, detecting the phase difference is important for directional information.
The signals integrate and become a third frequency or what we call a “binaural beat”. The resultant beat of 14Hz is produced within your brain. The tone will sound like a wave or beat depending on the frequency. If the generated beat is 4Hz, then it will sound more like a wave, however if the beat is at 20Hz, it will sound more like a beat.
In order to make use of binaural beats, you must use stereo headphones. If speakers are used, the tones will mix in the air and produce a monaural beat. Monaural beats do have a place in the brain entrainment world; however, if the track is meant for binaural, headphones must be used.
When listening to binaural beats, there may be a warbling sound initially until your brain adjusts. Also, having a hearing loss in one ear will not reduce the effectiveness of binaural beats because they maintain their intensity regardless of amplitude. Alternatively, masking the binaural beats with noise does not decrease their effectiveness, in fact, it has been shown to improve the entrainment process and have a more soothing effect.
There is a lot of controversy over whether or not binaural beats can be used for brain-wave entrainment. According to Dr. Gerald Oster binaural beats can be used to produce beats from as little as 0.235Hz to as high as 26.25Hz. Oster also concluded that binaural beats would be insufficient for brainwave entrainment because the depth of the beat is only around 3 decibels or 1/10 the volume of a whisper.
The Monroe Institute (Hemi-Sync products), I-Doser, and Centerpointe (Holosync products) all use binaural beats for their personal growth and development products. The beats are often mixed with noise, music, ambience or guided instructions. The advantage the binaural beat has over most other methods is its ability to entrain the brain to frequencies less than 4Hz.
There are alternative audio methods that are more efficient that binaural beats, such as monaural beats, isochronic tones, cross-feed modulation, low-pass filter modulation, pitch modulation and auto-pan modulation. Each method has its own place and limitations. We use a combination of methods to get the best out of each session.
Binaurals cannot be heard if the beat is set over 26.250 Hz. The wavelengths become too long for the brain to be able to perceive them. Below is a picture with the Optimum Carrier Frequency for all Binaural Beats created by Dr. Oster.
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