Frequencies of human brain waves are below about 40 Hz and beat frequencies of 40 Hz are produced in the brain with binaural sound and have been measured experimentally in various studies.

When the brain perceives beat frequency corresponds to the delta, theta, alpha, beta, or gamma range of brainwave frequencies, the brainwaves entrain to or move towards the beat frequency. An experiment with binaural sound stimulation using beat frequencies in the Beta range on some participants and Delta/Theta range in other participants, found better vigilance performance and mood in those on the awake alert state of Beta range stimulation.

Binaural beat stimulation has been used fairly extensively to induce a variety of states of consciousness, there has been some work done in regards to the effects of these stimuli on relaxation, focus, attention, and states of consciousness. Studies have shown that with repeated training to close frequency sounds that a plastic reorganization of the brain occurs for the trained frequencies and is capable of asymmetric hemispheric balancing.

The role of alpha-wave activity in lucid dreaming is subject to ongoing research. Alpha-theta brainwave training has also been used successfully for the treatment of addictions, and for the recovery of repressed memories.

Much of the clinical research using BBT with mental health focuses on treating anxiety and stress. A study of delta frequency BBT over 60 days showed positive effects on several psychological measures. The study, at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, found a significant decrease in trait anxiety and in insulin-like growth factor-1 and dopamine. Additionally, participants had an increase in quality of life.

A trial of Delta binaural beat technology over 60 days has shown positive effect on self-reported psychologic measures, especially anxiety. There was significant decrease in trait anxiety, an increase in quality of life, and a decrease in insulin-like growth factor-1 and dopamine and has been successfully trialled to lessen hospital acute pre-operative anxiety. A 2005 study at Sunderland Royal Hospital in the U.K. had equally positive findings, concluding, “Binaural beat audio has the potential to decrease acute pre-operative anxiety significantly.

Another effect for sound induced brain synchronization is enhanced learning ability. It was proposed in the 1970's that induced alpha brain waves enabled students to assimilate more information with greater long term retention. In more recent times has come more understanding of the role of theta brain waves in behavioral learning The presence of theta patterns in the brain has been associated with increased receptivity for learning and decreased filtering by the left hemisphere.

Brain wave entrainment tapes and CDs based on binaural beat frequency research. Use of these tapes and CDs result in brain wave entrainment and can induce altered states of consciousness. Some have called it instant meditation. Unlike mind altering drugs which people use to achieve altered states, binaural beat brainwave entrainment technology is legal and non-toxic.