Exploring the Impact of Binaural Beat Auditory Stimulation and Noise-Reducing Headphones on Intraoperative Anxiety During Upper Limb Orthopedic Surgeries Under Regional Block

Abstract

Introduction: Intraoperative anxiety is common among awake patients undergoing surgery under regional anaesthesia. This study evaluated binaural beat auditory stimulation and active noise cancellation (ANC) for reducing anxiety during upper-limb orthopaedic surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial included 90 patients undergoing surgery under supraclavicular block. Patients were randomized equally to binaural beats (Group A), ANC (Group B), or standard care (Group C). Anxiety was assessed using STAI-6, along with haemodynamic parameters, sedation, communication, and patient satisfaction. Results: Baseline STAI-6 scores were comparable among groups (p=0.766). At 30 minutes, anxiety was significantly lower in Group A (32.93±2.64) than Group B (38.20±2.52) and Group C (41.50±8.62; p<0.001). Anxiety reduction was greatest with binaural beats (11.00 vs 6.40 vs 2.27 points; p<0.001). Group A also demonstrated greater sedation and higher satisfaction (9.23±0.77 vs 8.33±0.84 vs 6.43±1.45; p<0.001). No major adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Binaural beats effectively reduced perioperative anxiety and improved sedation and patient satisfaction compared with ANC and standard care.

Keywords: Binaural beats; anxiety; noise cancellation; regional anaesthesia; STAI-6; orthopaedic surgery.