Binaural audio is a type of audio recording that aims to reproduce the way humans naturally experience sound. It is recorded using two microphones arranged to create a 3D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the room with the performers or instruments. Binaural audio is different from conventional stereo recordings because it factors in natural ear spacing and "head shadow" of the head and ears, which generate interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs) specific to the listeners position. Binaural audio works by recording an audio source under the same conditions as someone who is listening to it, which creates an incredibly realistic 3D effect over stereo. Binaural audio is best experienced through headphones, which isolate the left and right audio channels in the same way they are in human hearing.

Binaural audio has been used to create more life-like listening experiences in music and entertainment since its creation in the 1930s. It has also been gaining popularity among content creators specializing in ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response), a phenomenon in which triggers such as whispered audio can evoke tingling, euphoric sensations. In healthcare, binaural sound is used in self-hypnosis and biofeedback activities to induce specific brainwave states.

In summary, binaural audio is a recording technique that aims to reproduce the way humans naturally experience sound. It creates an immersive listening experience that gives the listener a sense of space and distance in a 360-degree sphere. Binaural audio is best experienced through headphones, and it has been used in various fields, including music, entertainment, and healthcare.