Using binaural sound effects to reduce anxiety during general anesthesia

The Effect of Preoperative Binaural Sound on Propofol Dose Required for Induction of General Anesthesia: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

NA · Seoul National University Hospital · NCT05431881

This study tests if listening to special sounds called binaural beats can help adults feel less anxious before getting general anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT05431881 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of binaural beats in reducing anxiety in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group that listens to binaural beats or a control group that experiences silence for 20 minutes before anesthesia induction. Anxiety levels are measured using a visual analogue scale before and after the intervention. The amount of propofol required for anesthesia induction is then assessed to determine if binaural beats have a significant impact on reducing anxiety and the dosage needed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-50 who require general anesthesia and meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing impairments, cardiovascular issues, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced anxiety and lower dosages of anesthetics required for patients during surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of binaural beats is a novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promising results in reducing anxiety in other settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients aged 20-50 who require general anesthesia
* Patients who are able to provide written consent to participate in the clinical trial, to understand the procedure of this clinical trial, and to fill out the questionnaire appropriately
* Patients with ASA physical status classification 1-2
* Patients weighing from 50 kg to 80 kg

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with hearing loss or using hearing aids
* Patients who received narcotic analgesics or sedative drugs within 1 week
* Patients with alcohol or drug dependence
* Patients with drug hypersensitivity to propofol
* Patients with arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, and decreased heart function
* Patients with liver failure
* Patients who are judged to be inappropriate for this clinical trial according to the opinions of investigators

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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: Anesthesia, General, Propofol, Brain Waves

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.