Effect of Binaural Auditory Beats on EEG Morphology

Abstract

A binaural auditory beat occurs when an listener is presented with two similar auditory frequencies separately to the right and left ear. The perceived tone has a frequency that is the difference between the two frequencies and originates purely from within the listener. This phenomenon allows of auditory stimulation with frequencies below the threshold of hearing and its effects has been explored in various experimental studies. The literature review begins with an overview of relevant anatomic and neurophysiologic basis of hearing and the principles of electroencephalography. The primary aim is to explore the possibility of EEG entrainment through binaural auditory beat stimulation and explore its psychophysiologic and potential therapeutic applications.