Are there safety concerns with binaural beats relaxation?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Although their general usage is considered safe, binaural beats relaxation requires an important awareness of safety issues. Several important precautions are often overlooked by users, which could easily prevent potential risks. Awareness of these safeguards will help ensure a beneficial outcome from your sound therapy. I will outline some key considerations based on clinical research and personal experience gained from coaching in this technique.
Volume control is the most important safety factor. Keep levels below 70dB, which is equal to the volume of normal conversation. Prolonged exposure to levels above this will cause auditory fatigue and may be damaging. It might also be advisable to use smartphone decibel meters in the first sessions. This simple habit will help ensure that you maintain your hearing health in the long run.
Neurological Conditions
- Avoid Theta/Delta waves with seizure history
- Discontinue if experiencing aura symptoms
- Consult neurologists before starting
- Monitor closely during initial sessions
Implanted Devices
- Maintain 12-inch distance from pacemakers
- Cochlear implant users need audiologist approval
- Neurostimulators require manufacturer consultation
- Watch for electromagnetic interference signals
Pregnancy Considerations
- First trimester: avoid all frequencies
- Second/third trimester: limit to 20 minutes
- Use only Alpha waves (8-10Hz)
- Discontinue if experiencing discomfort
Age is an important factor in safety considerations. Children under 6 should not use binaural beats because their hearing systems are still developing. Ages 7-12 require parental supervision in their listening sessions, with limitations placed on the volume (maximum volume of 60dB). Teenagers can benefit from short listening sessions of 15 minutes or so. Older adults should undergo hearing tests before starting any sound therapy programs.
Experiencing something physical is your signal to halt the session immediately. Stop the session if you feel dizzy or nauseous. If you experience visual disturbances, avoid using combinations of flickering lights. If you have a headache, there is a possible frequency mismatch for you. I recommend that the client keep a journal of these reactions to identify any patterns.
Environmental factors affect safety. Ensure proper ventilation of the room during the sessions. Room temperature should be within a comfortable range of 65-75°F. Do not use while operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. These basic precautionary measures are general and helpful and are in addition to the technical precautions to keep you safe.
Taking frequent breaks will help you avoid sensory overload. After thirty minutes of listening without a break, take a ten-minute break. Remember to drink lots of fluids before and after your session. These simple yet important habits will help you maintain the effectiveness of your binaural beats relaxation practice and mitigate some of the potential side effects.
Read the full article: Binaural Beats Relaxation: Ultimate Guide
