Altered States of Consciousness Induced by Exogenous Audio Signals
Resonance March 1, 2022 Asa Young
Rhythm is a pervasive feature of the environment and is perceived through multiple senses. A growing approach in cognitive science looks to neural oscillations—electromagnetic field rhythms generated by the brain—as a quantifiable measure of consciousness, offering a way to bridge subjective and objective experience. Oscillatory rhythms can arise internally or externally and can strongly influence subjective experience; some external audio rhythms, such as speech, binaural beats, and music, can induce states labeled altered states of consciousness. This piece examines how external auditory rhythms affect conscious states at individual and interpersonal levels, expanding the scope for applying cognitive science to study subjective experience.