HOW:
To understand how Binaural Beats alters consciousness it is necessary to step back from the limited concepts of binaural beat entrainment. Two decades ago it was
assumed that prolonged exposure to binaural beat stimuli influenced brain waves to the point of altering ongoing EEG through entrainment of the frequency following response, a theorized process of nonlinear stochastic resonance of brain waves with the frequency of the auditory stimulus. Since an auditory frequency-following response could be measured at the cortex it seemed logical to assume that the underlying mechanism must be some form of Newtonian entrainment process at work. There is, however, no effect mechanism to support the notion that entrainment of the frequency following response is responsible for alterations in consciousness.

We now know that the EEG signal strength of the measured auditory frequency following response is extremely low. Demonstrating the mere presence of a frequency-following response to the binaural beats of the Binaural beats process using evoked potential EEG protocols provides some evidence of the neurological impact of this stimulus. Binaural beats influences consciousness by providing information to the brain's reticular activating system (RAS). The neural reticular formation itself is a large, diffuse area of the brainstem. The RAS controls arousal, attention, and awareness - the elements of consciousness. How we interpret, respond, and react to information is managed by the brain's reticular formation stimulating the thalamus and cortex, and controlling attentiveness and level of arousal. Listening to binaural beats provide information to the RAS because the binaural beat wave form is accepted as a brainwave pattern by the reticular formation. This information encompasses the character, quality, and traits of the state of consciousness that the binaural beat pattern represents. If internal stimuli, feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and external sensory stimuli are not in conflict with this information, the RAS will alter states of consciousness to match the binaural beat stimulus as a natural function of maintaining homeostasis. In a natural and constant attempt to maintain homeostasis the RAS actively monitors and continues the cortical replication of ongoing brainwave states unless, of course, there is reason to make an adjustment due to new information from internal sources or external sensory input. However, because of the natural brainwave-like characteristics and persistence of the binaural beat sound field, the RAS initiates cortical replication of the binaural beat stimulus, believing the binaural pattern to be the ongoing brainwave state. As time passes, the RAS monitors both the internal and external environment and the state of consciousness itself to determine, from moment to moment, its suitability for dealing with existing conditions. As long as no conflicts develop, the RAS naturally continues aligning the character, quality, and traits of consciousness with the information in the brainwave-like pattern of the binaural beat.