Learn Sound Healing Research & Evidence

The honest answer is "partially". Strong evidence exists for specific mechanisms — binaural beat entrainment for sleep onset, slow-wave music for sleep depth, music-based interventions for anxiety reduction and pain management. The broader umbrella of "sound healing" includes practices with weaker or absent clinical evidence (e.g. claims about specific frequencies "healing" specific organs). Read our complete sound healing pillar guide for the full evidence breakdown →

For most people, yes. Binaural beats are simply two close-pitched tones — one in each ear — and the brain's perception of a third "beat" frequency. There are two real precautions: people with epilepsy or a history of seizures should consult a doctor first (any rhythmic stimulus can theoretically be a trigger), and you shouldn't listen at volumes that risk hearing damage or while driving / operating machinery. Sonora's binaural soundscapes default to safe SPL ranges. Read the binaural beats guide →

For binaural beats, yes — the effect depends on each ear receiving a different tone, which speakers can't deliver cleanly. For broader soundscapes (pink noise, solfeggio, ambient), headphones improve immersion but aren't required. Wired or wireless both work; over-ear is more comfortable for long sessions but earbuds are fine.

Yes. The full app is free on the App Store and Google Play, with no paywall, no subscription tier, and no ads. The science page explains the philosophy behind that decision.

Meditation apps deliver pre-recorded content; the audio is the same whether you're calm or in a crisis. Sonora analyses your voice for stress, fatigue, and emotional state, then generates a soundscape calibrated to where you actually are right now. The difference is personalisation grounded in vocal biomarkers — physiological signals in the voice that correlate with measurable mental state. Read how it works →