Binaural beats are an auditory illusion caused by listening to two tones of slightly different frequency, one in each ear. The difference in frequencies creates the illusion of a third sound -- a rhythmic beat. Neurons throughout the brain begin to send electrical messages at the same rate as the imaginary beat.

Do binaural beats really do anything?

While most studies on the effects of binaural beats have been small, there are several that provide evidence that this auditory illusion does indeed have health benefits, especially related to anxiety, mood, and performance.

Do binaural beats actually get you high?

Although there is no evidence that people can actually get high from binaural beats, they're alarming authorities in the Middle East. In 2012, a police scientist in the United Arab Emirates called for these audio files to be treated the same as marijuana and ecstasy.