What is the Difference Between Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones

The main difference between binaural beats and isochronic tones is that binaural beats are continuous, whereas isochronic tones are not continuous.

Binaural beats are two slightly different tones presented to each ear at the same time, whereas isochronic tones are single tones that come on and off at regular intervals. Binaural beats and isochronic tones are popular tools in brain wave entrainment and they have many potential health benefits. Sometimes, we also use these in combination to create brain wave entertainment.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Binaural Beats  
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Isochronic Tones
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Binaural Beats, Isochronic Tones

What are Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are created when two slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear. Then, the brain processes the difference between these tones, allowing you to sense a specific beat. For instance, if you are listening to a sound with a frequency of 200 Hertz in your left ear and to a sound with a frequency of 230 Hertz in your right ear, you will perceive a beat of 30 Hertz (which is the difference between these two frequencies).

Since binaural beats require presenting slightly different sounds to each ear, you need headphones to hear them. Moreover, the two tones have to have frequencies of less than 1000 Hertz, and the difference between them shouldn’t be more than 30 Hertz. You also need to figure out which brainwave suits your desired state. There are five types of brainwaves:

1. Delta: 1-4 Hertz
2. Theta: 4-8 Hertz
3. Alpha: 8-14 Hertz
4. Beta: 14-30 Hertz
5. Gamma: 30-100 Hertz

People often describe binaural beats as auditory illusions. However, they are considered to have many health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits of Binaural Beats

• Reduce stress
• Help to focus and concentrate
• Lower anxiety
• Increase relaxation
• Promote creativity
• Nurture positive feelings
• Help to manage pain

What are Isochronic Tones

Isochronic tones are single tones that go on and off at regular intervals. However, this interval is very short – imagine a beat like a rhythmic pulse. In other words, you can describe an isochronic tone as a tone that turns on and off quickly.

Furthermore, isochronic tones are a popular tool for brain wave entrainment. In this process, your brain waves are made to sync with the frequency that you’re listening to. Moreover, syncing your brain waves to a certain frequency is supposed to have the ability to induce various mental states. Just like binaural tones, isochronic tones also have many potential health benefits like mood enhancement, promoting healthy sleep, increasing memory and attention, and helping meditation.

Moreover, isochronic tones are often embedded in other sounds like nature sounds or music. This is an example of isochronic tones:

Difference Between Binaural Beats and Isochronic Tones

Definition

Binaural beats are two slightly different tones presented to each ear at the same time whereas isochronic tones are single tones that go on and off at regular intervals.

Tones

Binaural beats have two tones while isochronic beats have a single tone.

Continuity

While binaural beats are continuous, isochronic tones are not continuous.

Use of Headphones

Binaural beats require headphones whereas isochronic tones do not necessarily require headphones.

Conclusion

Binaural beats are two slightly different tones presented to each ear at the same time, whereas isochronic tones are single tones that come on and off at regular intervals. The main difference between binaural beats and isochronic tones is that binaural beats are continuous while isochronic tones are not continuous. Sometimes, we also use these in combination to create brain wave entertainment.

Reference:

1. “Binaural Beats: What Are They and What Are the Benefits?” WebMD.
2. Cafasso, Jacquelyn. “Binaural Beats: Sleep, Therapy, and Meditation.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Sept. 2021.
3. Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “ISOCHRONIC Tones: Benefits, Research, Beats, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 Feb. 2020.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Binaural beats” By DPic – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Isochronic-tones” By DPic – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia