Binaural beats for headaches

A soft 10 Hz alpha beat on a low 150 Hz carrier with pink noise, very quiet. If sound makes your headache worse, stop: silence is the better choice.

L 145 HzR 155 Hz
Hz
Hz

10 Hz falls in the alpha band. Use stereo headphones.

Presets

Why these settings

Tension-type headaches often come with muscle tension and stress, which relaxation techniques can ease. Alpha beats are used as a relaxation cue, not a pain treatment.

How to use it

  1. Keep volume very low; sound sensitivity is common in migraine.
  2. Lie down in a dim room and relax your jaw and shoulders.
  3. Pair with slow breathing for ten minutes.
  4. Stop immediately if the tone worsens the pain.

What the research says

There are no robust trials of binaural beats for migraine. Relaxation training and biofeedback do have evidence for tension headache, which is the reasoning behind trying a calm sound.

New to this? See how binaural beats work with the interactive demo.

Questions people ask

Can binaural beats cure a headache?

No evidence shows that. They may help you relax, which can ease tension-type headaches.

Can binaural beats cause headaches?

Some people report headaches, usually from volume or long sessions. Lower the volume and shorten the session.

When should I see a doctor?

For a sudden severe headache, a headache with fever, stiff neck, weakness or confusion, or a change in your usual pattern, seek medical care promptly.