Based on research, listening to binaural beats at a specific frequency is often recommended to help with migraines.
Recommended Sound: Binaural Beats
According to researchers, binaural beats are the sound that may help alleviate migraine symptoms. Specifically, they recommend listening to these beats set at the theta brain wave frequency.
- Frequency: 4–8 hertz (Hz)
- Association: This frequency range is linked with states of meditation and deep relaxation.
- Potential Benefit: The relaxation induced by theta frequency binaural beats may help soothe the nervous system and potentially reduce migraine pain.
How Binaural Beats Work
Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when you listen to two tones of slightly different frequencies simultaneously, one in each ear. Your brain perceives a third "beat" frequency equal to the difference between the two tones. For instance, if you listen to 404 Hz in one ear and 400 Hz in the other, your brain perceives a 4 Hz beat – which falls within the theta range.
Listening to these specific frequencies is thought to help guide your brainwave activity towards a desired state, such as relaxation or focus. For migraines, the goal is typically relaxation and calming the nervous system, which is why the theta (4-8 Hz) frequency is often suggested.
Sounds to Avoid During a Migraine
Just as certain sounds may help, other sounds can significantly worsen migraine pain.
- Loud Noises: The reference explicitly states that loud noises increase the pain associated with migraines. Many people with migraines experience photophobia (sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound). Loud, sudden, or jarring sounds can be particularly distressing and intensify headache severity.
Summary of Sound and Migraines
| Type of Sound | Impact on Migraines | Recommended/Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Binaural Beats | May help symptoms | Recommended (specifically theta frequency 4-8 Hz) |
| Loud Noises | Increase pain | Avoid |
In conclusion, while silence or quiet environments are often preferred during a migraine, specific sounds like binaural beats at the theta frequency are suggested as a potential tool for relief, primarily through promoting relaxation. Conversely, loud noises are known triggers or aggravators of migraine pain and should be avoided.
