Alpha Beat Article

Binaural Beat and Event Related Potential

Over 130 years ago, a researcher discovered what became known as binaural beat. In fact, although the individual who first recognized what has become known as binaural beat thought it was a significant find, most researchers and scientists after that time -- for an extended period of time -- considered the concept of binaural beat to be nothing more than an interesting curiosity at best.

Eventually, in the mid-1970s, some more direct research was undertaken in regard to binaural beat. As a result, it was realized that binaural beat has broader applications, including applications in the medical field. Some of the areas in which binaural beat was determined to be important and influential are very technical areas of medical and related research. For example, binaural beat was determined to important to the study of what is known as ERP or “event related potential.”

The use of binaural beat techniques have played a role in allowing scientists a better understanding of ERP of event related potential. The actual scientific definition of ERP or event related potential likely is of little use to a layperson. Indeed, many a person with a strong scientific background has a hard time discerning the true meaning to the definition of ERP or event related potential.

At its heart, ERP involves an unexpected response in the brain to certain stimuli. (It must be noted that this layperson’s definition is extremely simplistic. However, it does distill the essence of ERP.)

By way of explanation, consider the human brain being bombarded with a variety of different stimuli. As the brain processes these stimuli, there is a reaction which could not logically or otherwise be predicted from the type of stimuli that is hitting the brain. In considering this response, binaural beat has begun to play a significant role.

Through binaural beat, two different tones are presented to a subject, one in each ear. The brain “combines” these tones and responds -- responds in a manner unrelated to the specific binaural beat tones presented as if the brain had been physically stimulated by something tangible.

Through binaural beat the underlying concepts and responses associated with ERP can be better understood. Additionally, scientists and researchers have been able to better understand the whole idea of ERP thanks to the principles inherent in binaural beat concepts.

Overall, binaural beat is becoming useful in scientific research and is likely to begin to play a larger role in medical diagnostic regimens as well. Further, it is proving useful in regard to the enhancement of meditative and relaxation techniques. The binaural beat is said to be able to impact different brainwaves -- as discussed earlier in this article -- which can be utilized to enhance a person’s ability to relax or meditate.