You can absolutely use your earbuds (wired or Bluetooth) while running a session in the Inner Balance app. This is a great way to listen to coherence tones, custom music, or external meditation apps while you practice.
Overview
The Inner Balance app is designed to work seamlessly with audio devices. A common concern is whether a Bluetooth sensor will “block” Bluetooth earbuds. Because the HeartMath Bluetooth (BTLE) sensor pairs only within the Inner Balance app—and not through the standard phone settings—your device’s main Bluetooth connection remains available for your earbuds.
Procedure 1: Using the Internal App Soundtrack
If you want to listen to music stored locally on your device while staying entirely within the Inner Balance interface:
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Connect Hardware: Plug in your wired sensor or power on your Bluetooth sensor.
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Select Audio: Open the app and tap Settings (Gear icon).
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Choose Music: Tap the Select button next to Soundtrack and pick a song from your device. Tap Done.
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Connect Earbuds: Pair your Bluetooth earbuds to your phone or plug in your wired headphones.
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Start Session: Begin your session. Your chosen music and the app’s coherence tones will play through your earbuds.
Procedure 2: Using External Apps (Spotify, Calm, YouTube, etc.)
If you prefer to use a third-party app for music or guided meditations alongside your coherence training:
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Pair Audio: Pair your Bluetooth earbuds with your device through the standard Bluetooth settings.
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Start External Audio: Open your preferred music or meditation app and begin playback.
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Launch Inner Balance: Open the Inner Balance app.
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Connect Sensor: Ensure your sensor is connected (BTLE sensors should be paired inside the app, not in the phone settings).
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Start Session: Press the Start button. You will hear your external audio and the Inner Balance coherence tones simultaneously.
Important Technical Notes
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Bluetooth Pairing Rule: Always remember that the Inner Balance Bluetooth sensor must only be paired within the app. Never attempt to pair it in your phone’s main Bluetooth menu, as this can cause connection conflicts with your earbuds.
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Muting Tones: If you find the app’s coherence “meditation tones” distracting while listening to music, you can mute them in the app settings while still keeping your soundtrack active.
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Volume Control: When using an external app, use your phone’s physical volume buttons to balance the level between your music and the Inner Balance session feedback.