Using binaural beats to reduce anxiety and improve recovery after surgery

Binaural Beat Stimulation as a Cost-effective Tool to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety and Improve Postoperative Outcome After General Anesthesia

NA · Technical University of Munich · NCT05533112

This study tests whether listening to binaural beats can help reduce anxiety before surgery and improve recovery afterwards.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTechnical University of Munich (other)
Locations1 site (München, München (Stadt))
Trial IDNCT05533112 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of binaural beat stimulation as a method to reduce preoperative anxiety and improve patient outcomes after surgery. It aims to address the issues of preoperative stress and postoperative neurocognitive disorders by using auditory stimulation to potentially enhance brainwave activity during recovery from anesthesia. The primary focus is on reducing anxiety before surgery, while the secondary goal is to promote protective brainwave patterns during the emergence from anesthesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for elective minor or intermediate risk procedures who are fluent in German or Portuguese.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA status 4, a history of drug abuse, pre-existing neurocognitive or psychiatric disorders, or auditory and visual impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery experiences and outcomes for surgical patients by reducing anxiety and minimizing cognitive complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of binaural beats is a relatively novel approach in this context, there is emerging interest in its potential benefits, though more research is needed to establish its efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Fluent in German (Munich) or Portuguese (Porto)
* Scheduled for elective minor or intermediate risk procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA status 4
* History of drug abuse
* Pre-existing neurocognitive or psychiatric disorders
* Auditory Impairments, vision diseases or other diagnosed cognitive impairments

Where this trial is running

München, München (Stadt)

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Preoperative Anxiety, Perioperative Complication

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.