Auditory Resources

Auditory sensory support can be helpful to foster focus, calm, and centeredness. For the neurodivergent brain, this may be an incredibly beneficial addition to a daily routine as well as during times of additional stress. As with any modality, it may take some time to figure out what works best for you and when to implement them. Having a conversation about using these with your physician is recommended prior to use. Here, we’ll explore how the brain uses frequencies and three ways to implement them in an auditory way through use of binaural beats, isochronic tones, and solfeggio frequencies.

Brainwave Frequencies…

Frequency matters and our brains use varying frequencies for different tasks. Using these frequencies, as in adding them in an auditory way, can help your brain to get into these states more readily.

·      Delta Waves [0.5-4 Hz] Deep Sleep/Relaxation for use before bedtime, when relaxing or in recovery mode.

·      Theta Waves [4-8 Hz] Meditation/Creativity for when you feel stuck or have mental resistance.

·      Alpha Waves [8-14 Hz] Calm/Relaxation for when you feel anxious or your brain feels scattered.

·      Beta Waves [14-30 Hz] Concentration/Alertness for when you need sustained attention with a task.

·      Gamma Waves [30-50 Hz] High Cognitive Function for when you need to boost memory and critical thinking that requires intense focus and clarity.

Trying Binaural Beats…

Binaural Beats are the combination of sounds made by a third tone that the auditory processing system in your brain makes in response to hearing one frequency in the left ear and another frequency in the right ear. Because of this, headphones or earbuds are a must when using these. If used consistently and within the right range for your brain, your brain can begin to have a frequency following response and align its activity to that frequency. Benefits include:

·      Staying in sync with this rhythmic pattern allows for greater alignment internally and externally .

·      Greater internal regulation for sustained task management and when switching between tasks.

·      Relief from mental overstimulation and racing thoughts.

Trying Isochronic Tones…

Isochronic Tones are sound pulses, external sensory input, in a steady rhythm given in precise intervals that elicit a sharpened, more alert focus. The brain tunes into the predictable pattern of tone or clicks holding attention and reducing thought wandering. They can be used with or without headphones or earbuds and tend to be employed best during goal-oriented and focused activities rather than creative or problem-solving activities. Isochronic tones in those with epilepsy or other neurological and heart conditions is contraindicated; discuss with your physician prior to use. Benefits include:

·      Filtered distractions to provide help in sustaining effort with specific tasks.

·      Providing task initiation and concentrated focus on singular tasks.

·      Stimulation to maintain task momentum.  

Trying Solfeggio Frequencies…

Solfeggio Frequencies are sound patterns that range from 174 Hz to 963 Hz with 9 subsets of frequencies that have specific benefits (see below). They are typically used to de-stress, unwind, and recover lending to greater relaxation. These frequencies can be used with or without headphones or earbuds.

·      174 Hz for pain and physical tension relief

·      285 Hz for healing and physical restoration

·      396 Hz for addressing underlying emotion and negative beliefs as well as motivation

·      417 Hz for trauma healing and processing

·      528 Hz for relaxation and sleep as well as overall wellness and stress reduction

·      639 Hz for relationship balance and understanding

·      741 Hz for creativity, self-expression, and decision-making as well as addressing pain

·      852 Hz for anxiety and negative thought patterns.

·      963 Hz for intuition and raising awareness and clarity

Benefits include:

·      Greater ability to relax and overall stress reduction.

·      Increased sense of safety.

·      Reduction in overwhelm and states of overstimulation, as long as auditory stimulation is not one that increases overwhelm in this manner.

Sounds from our environment impact each of us in different ways and to varying degrees. If neurodivergence is present, whether that be ADHD, autism, sensitivity, or sensory difficulty, auditory input has the potential to deeply impact task management on a daily basis. Using sound to regulate can be a beneficial, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement addition for individuals to manage their environment in a restorative manner. We recommend starting slow, taking some notes on what you notice, and committing to use for at least a few weeks to see if any of these benefit you…all with your physician’s approval of course.