The effect of binaural beats on verbal working memory and cortical connectivity

Abstract

Objective. Synchronization in activated regions of cortical networks affect the brain’s frequency response, which has been associated with a wide range of states and abilities, including memory. A non-invasive method for manipulating cortical synchronization is binaural beats. Binaural beats take advantage of the brain’s response to two pure tones, delivered independently to each ear, when those tones have a small frequency mismatch. The mismatch between the tones is interpreted as a beat frequency, which may act to synchronize cortical oscillations. Neural synchrony is particularly important for working memory processes, the system controlling online organization and retention of information for successful goal-directed behavior. Therefore, manipulation of synchrony via binaural beats provides a unique window into working memory and associated connectivity of cortical networks. Approach. In this study, we examined the effects of different acoustic stimulation conditions during an N-back working memory task, and we measured participant response accuracy and cortical network topology via EEG recordings. Six acoustic stimulation conditions were used: None, Pure Tone, Classical Music, 5 Hz binaural beats, 10 Hz binaural beats, and 15 Hz binaural beats. Main results. We determined that listening to 15 Hz binaural beats during an N-Back working memory task increased the individual participant’s accuracy, modulated the cortical frequency response, and changed the cortical network connection strengths during the task. Only the 15 Hz binaural beats produced significant change in relative accuracy compared to the None condition. Significance. Listening to 15 Hz binaural beats during the N-back task activated salient frequency bands and produced networks characterized by higher information transfer as compared to other auditory stimulation conditions.

Possible Effect of Binaural Beat Combined With Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response for Inducing Sleep

“…In addition, a 6 Hz binaural beat produced meditative effects by inducing theta activity in the frontal and parietal-central regions (Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat, 2017). The binaural beat at 15 Hz improved working memory by inducing beta activity in the brain (Beauchene et al, 2017). It was also possible to reduce the difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep in patients with chronic insomnia by providing an audio-visual stimulus that gradually decreases from 8 to 1 Hz (Tang et al, 2015).…”

Music Training, Working Memory, and Neural Oscillations: A Review

“…For example, increased gamma and beta power over frontal and central regions in response to binaural beats improved short-term memory of middle-list items on a serial recall task (Jirakittayakorn and Wongsawat, 2017). In addition, accuracy on visuospatial (Beauchene et al, 2016) and verbal N-back (Beauchene et al, 2017) working memory tasks increased in response to binaural beats, which were thought to strengthen cortical networks involved in maintenance and retrieval of task-related information. Even passive listening to binaural beats induced changes in alpha power over frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, with greater power increases in participants with musical experience (Ioannou et al, 2015).…”

Auditive beta stimulation as a countermeasure against driver fatigue

“…The authors conclude, that this technology may provide applications for the control of attention and arousal as well as the enhancement of human performance. Also, Beauchene et al demonstrated, that listening to 15 Hz binaural beats during a working memory task increased the individual participant's accuracy and modulated the cortical frequency response [26].…”