Beta

The useful range of beta for most folks is from around 15 to around 22 Hz.  Studies as far back as the 1970s have shown that some people experience the faster range (18-22 Hz) as intense focus, curiosity and engagement; others experience it as anxious and obsessive.  Above 22 Hz, it’s pretty safe to say that the experience will not be good, no matter the age.

15-18 and 19-22 Hz are in the beta range.  Most kids do better with the lower band, but a lot of adults like the faster beta.  However, neither of these is “high-beta.”

Because the brain speeds up with age, with younger children you may have to drop the beta frequency below 15-18 Hz to find a frequency that results in focus without buzzing.  By the age of 15, though, in my experience some kids do better at 15-18, some at 18-22 and some elsewhere in that range.

As far as percentage, I would consider 15-17% EO Beta to be a reasonable range.  If the levels of beta and high beta are high and higher on the right, then that could be an indicator for anxiety.  You have to be careful with high-beta rising at task unless you were very careful about tension.  Muscle tension increasing is very common when someone thinks they’re going to be “tested”.

When beta is significantly higher than theta, you have a brain which is doing all it can to lock out access from subconscious material.