Music is therapeutic for most of us, but for neurodivergent individuals, it can be a game-changer—boosting focus, easing stress, and even regulating emotions. While digging into the therapeutic power of music, I stumbled upon the exciting world of 8D sound, which lead me down a rabbit hole of other audio techniques that can benefit neurodivergent brains. Check them out below and see how they work—you might just find your new favourite listening experience!

8D Audio

Despite the name, 8D audio doesn’t actually add extra dimensions to sound. Instead, it creates a 3D-like experience that feels like the sound is swirling around your head.

How it works:

8D audio uses tricks like equalisation, panning, and effects to make music feel like it’s moving around you, almost giving a live music experience— according to some, like you’re "hearing with your brain" instead of just your ears.

Why it’s great for neurodivergent listeners:

- Engages the brain: The way the sound moves can help with focus, which is especially useful for those with ADHD.

- Blocks out distractions: The immersive feel creates a cosy auditory "bubble" or “cocoon” that can help you zone out distractions.

- Mood booster: Some say it might even increase dopamine, which can be beneficial for ADHD brains, where dopamine levels are often lower.

Curious to give it a try? Check out some brilliant 8D audio examples here:

Panning

Panning is a technique that’s been around for ages, and it’s used to move sounds between different audio channels, creating a sense of space and movement in music.

How it works:

In stereo recordings, sounds can be shifted between the left and right channels, with headphones this is between each ear, making it feel like the music is physically moving around your head. Think of it like a sound ping-pong game—your brain gets to track it as it bounces from one side to the other.

Why it’s great for neurodivergent listeners:

- Stimulates the brain: The movement keeps the brain engaged, which can help maintain focus—again, perfect for ADHD.

- Sensory engagement: The way the sound moves across your ears can provide a full-body listening experience, which might help with emotional regulation or sensory processing.

Want to try it out? Check out this playlist for some great examples:

 Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are like a mind hack that plays with your brainwaves using two slightly different tones in each ear.

How it works:

Let’s say you listen to a 200 Hz tone in one ear and a 210 Hz tone in the other. Your brain won’t hear both tones separately—it’ll create a 10 Hz beat, which is called a binaural beat. Check out this in-depth and interesting explanation here:

Why it’s great for neurodivergent listeners:

- Boosts focus: These beats could influence brainwave patterns, helping create a mental state for relaxation or concentration.

- Cognitive enhancement: Some studies suggest binaural beats can improve focus and memory, which can be especially helpful for individuals with ADHD.

- Stress relief: They might help reduce anxiety and promote a calmer mental state.

Want to give binaural beats a go? Check out these tracks:

Considerations and Cautions

These techniques offer amazing possibilities for neurodivergent individuals looking to tap into the power of music for better focus, relaxation, or emotional balance. But as cool as they are, it’s worth remembering that everyone’s experience is different. Some people, especially those with sensory sensitivities, might find these effects overwhelming. If you’re trying them for the first time, start slow—shorter sessions and lower volumes are a good way to ease in.

Also, some people have reported temporary side effects like dizziness or nausea after listening to 8D audio or binaural beats, so if you feel any discomfort, it’s best to take a break and consult a professional if symptoms persist.

Have you tried any of these techniques? Let us know your thoughts or share your favourite musical tools over on our socials—we’d love to hear from you!