Uses of Binaural Audio

While listening to two similar frequencies simultaneously, German scientist H.W. Dove discovered the phenomenon of binaural beats in 1839. Research continued in the field of binaural beats, but it was not until 1973 that American scientist Gerald Oster published his groundbreaking study on the effects of binaural beats. Oster concluded that binaural beats could have important clinical applications. His study paved the way for other researchers to continue examining the powers of binaural beats.

Improved Meditation

• Meditation can take years of practice to perfect. It involves reaching a state of complete relaxation so that your mind can be clear and open. Binaural beats induce this state of relaxation quickly by affecting the brain's wave frequencies. In a 1995 study performed by scientist C.C. Hiew, subjects reported that they experienced a relaxed, meditative state after listening to binaural beats. When a person listens to binaural beats, his brainwaves slow down, he relaxes and he meditates more deeply.

Better Sleep

• If you have difficulty falling asleep, listen to some binaural audio tracks before you go to bed. As they do during meditation, your brainwaves slow down during sleep. Scientist Edgar Wilson of the Colorado Association for Psychophysiological Research showed in 1990 that binaural beats make excellent sleep aids. Binaural beats help reduce the speed of brainwaves and provide a feeling of relaxation. When a person is more relaxed, she can fall asleep more easily.

Healing and Pain Relief

• Binaural audio tracks may help the body to heal faster. By changing the brain's waves, you may be able to influence the rest of your body. Author Gari Carter used binaural beats as part of her healing process after a near-fatal car accident. In her book, "Healing Myself," she claims that listening to binaural beats allows the body to recuperate faster. The brain produces delta waves during states of deep relaxation. Carter believes that delta waves possess healing properties and that by listening to binaural beats at delta wave frequencies you can help your brain heal your body.

Sense of Well Being

• In a study published in the January-February 2007 issue of the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, eight healthy adults listened to binaural beats for two months. Subjects reported a decrease in anxiety and an increase in their quality of life. Researchers concluded that listening to binaural audio tracks made these people feel better, physically and mentally.