The Effectiveness of Binaural Beat Audio on Anxiety State In Patients Undergoing Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an invasive procedure known to contribute anxiety in patients. Binaural beat, an audio technology with different frequency between ears to entrain the brainwaves, has been used to reduce anxiety in some operations. This study aimed to determine the anxiolytic effects of binaural beat in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Methods: All eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive binaural beat music, plain music, or no music. They were asked to wear earphones approximately 15 minutes before, during, and after the bronchoscopy. The level of anxiety was measured with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. Blood pressure, heart rate, and sedative drug use were also recorded.Results: One hundred and twelve subjects were included and randomised into 3 groups, including binaural beat music (n=38), plain music (n=38), and no music (n=36). Baseline characteristics were non-significantly different between the groups. The mean change of post-bronchoscopy STAI state scores in binaural beat music, plain music, and no music groups was -7.26 (p<0.001), -3.92 (p=0.005), and -1.12 (p=0.454), respectively. The mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased from baseline for -9.89 (p=0.002) and -5.76 (p=0.005), respectively in binaural group. The mean heart rate were increased from baseline for 3.32 (p=0.035), 5.21 (p=0.038), and 3.64 (p=0.149) in binaural beat music, plain music, and no music groups, respectively.Conclusions: The binaural beat music was proven to reduce anxiety among patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.Trial registration: TCTR, TCTR20200915002. Registered 14 September 2020 - Retrospectively registered.