There are no hard and fast rules on how to use binaural beats, however, at Ennora, we do have a recommended code of conduct, so to speak, that will help you get the best from the experience. In truth you can use binaural beats anywhere, as long as you have headphones, but then it’s somewhat pointless trying to relieve anxiety while driving in rush hour traffic, if you see what I mean. Remember, using binaural beats is essentially meditation, and to achieve the best from meditation you must put the mind in a neutral state. The mind should be free of fleeting thoughts, free from worry and fear.
Settle Into A Mindful State
Before listening to your recording, try and settle into a mindful state. Find an isolated space, ideally in a neutral environment that isn’t usually associated with stress or high-energy activity. Your environment should be free of disturbances, so be sure to turn off your phone. Let those likely to disturb you know that you won’t be available for the duration.
Sitting among nature is ideal, for example in the park, by a lake or in a spacious field. If this isn’t possible, then try your conservatory, your garden or a room in the house that makes you feel warm and content. Be in the moment, be present, be spacious and let go. If you find this difficult, close your eyes and concentrate on the rise and fall of your breath for a few minutes.
Take Up Your Binaural Position
If you can sit in the traditional mediation position then do so. If you find this uncomfortable or are yet to master sitting cross-legged then lie down or sit on a comfortable seat. If at home, use your couch or bed. Whatever you do ensure you are comfortable. Don’t sit slouched over or with your head to one side. Sit or lie straight with your head perfectly centered.
Use Quality Headphones
It really is worth investing in some good headphones to get the most out of your recordings. We personally recommend closed back headphones for optimum binaural beats listening. If you don’t know the difference between the two let me explain.
Closed headphones have a closed, or sealed, cup. Open headphones are open behind the driver. Basically this means that closed headphones will keep you from hearing outside sounds and also keep people around you from hearing your headphones – this is referred to as "leaking." Cheaper closed headphones with a sealed cup will have reflections and resonances, however, higher end models from the likes of Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony deal with those issues very well. In short, closed headphones tend to give you a more "in head" soundstage, which is great for getting focused into a meditative state.
It is possible to listen to binaural beats without headphones, through a stereo system, but this will dramatically reduce the effects. For the frequencies to “entrain” the brain they need to be as close to the ears as possible. Remember, the left and the right ear are sent different frequencies to produce the desired effect, therefore, if the recording is being played too far away the effect is greatly diluted.
Setting The Volume
You don’t want to give yourself earache, but at the same time you don’t want the recording to be too low. Have it loud enough so that you can’t be disturbed by outside noise like passing traffic or people talking within the vicinity of your meditation area.
So there you have it, the perfect way to use binaural beats. Remember though, as long as you have headphones and you are in a relaxed position, you will feel some positive effect. This means you can use binaural beats on the bus, in the back of a car on a long journey, on the train or even just going for a stroll.
