Sounds While Reading: Concentration or Distraction?

Written by Tiffany Mbagwu, Edited by Amy Chan

Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Auditory Influence on Reading

Reading is often considered a solitary activity, best performed in silence. However, in our increasingly noisy world, complete silence is a luxury. This raises an important question: Does background sound aid or hinder our ability to comprehend reading?

The Brain’s Response to Sound During Reading

Our brains are wired to process multiple stimuli simultaneously. When we read, the visual cortex is primarily engaged, decoding letters and words into meaningful information. Introducing sound into this process activates the auditory cortex, which processes auditory information. The prefrontal cortex then plays a crucial role in managing attention and filtering distractions.

Research indicates that background sounds, particularly those with linguistic content such as speech or lyrical music, can interfere with reading comprehension. This interference is attributed to the brain’s limited capacity to process multiple streams of language-based information simultaneously.

Key Research Findings

1. Impact of Background Noise on Reading Performance A comprehensive Bayesian meta-analysis of 65 studies found that background noise, speech, and music all have a small but reliably detrimental effect on reading performance. This suggests that even low-level background sounds can impede our ability to comprehend written material. Effects of Auditory Distraction on Eye Movements Another study investigated how background sounds affect eye movements during reading. The findings revealed that unexpected or deviant sounds disrupted parafoveal processing—the brain’s ability to process words just outside the direct line of sight—leading to decreased reading efficiency.

2. Neural Responses to Background Music A study utilizing event-related potentials (ERPs) examined how background music influences neural responses during reading comprehension. The results indicated that background music increases the difficulty of semantic integration, suggesting that music can interfere with the brain’s ability to construct meaning from text.

3. Classroom Noise and Adolescent Reading Comprehension Research focusing on adolescents found that classroom noise levels of 70 dB significantly negatively affected reading comprehension. Even at 64 dB, older pupils experienced detrimental effects, highlighting the importance of maintaining a quiet learning environment. 

   
   

Practical Implications

These findings underscore the importance of minimizing background noise during reading activities. For students and professionals alike, creating a quiet environment can enhance reading comprehension and overall cognitive performance. The neuroscience of sound and reading highlights something we often overlook: your environment matters. Whether you’re studying for an exam, reading for fun, or trying to understand a complicated article, the sounds around you play a bigger role than you might think.

First, let’s talk about real life. We’re not always going to find ourselves in perfectly quiet environments. Sometimes we’re stuck in a noisy dorm, a bustling home, or even a loud café where a baby is crying in one corner and someone’s on a call in the other. So, what do you do then?

If You’re Stuck in a Noisy Area

When silence isn’t an option, here are a few things that can help you stay focused:

• Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. They don’t just reduce sound—they create a little bubble of focus around you, which is especially helpful in public spaces or shared rooms.

• Try white noise or nature sounds. Ocean waves, gentle rainfall, or even a soft fan in the background can help mask distracting sounds and calm your brain. These sounds don’t compete with your reading—they blend in and create a soothing rhythm.

• Instrumental music is your friend. If you enjoy listening to something while reading, go for calm music without lyrics. Lo-fi beats, classical music, or ambient soundtracks help some people concentrate, especially during long reading sessions.

• Use earplugs if headphones aren’t available. They’re simple, inexpensive, and reduce distractions just enough to help you get through a few chapters or an assignment.

• Read in short bursts. When it’s hard to focus for long stretches, try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of reading, followed by a 5-minute break. This gives your brain a chance to reset and helps you stay sharp, even in chaos.

Creating the Ideal Reading Space

If you do have control over your environment and want to build your own perfect reading nook, here’s what to look for:

• Quiet or calm surroundings. You don’t need total silence, but the fewer interruptions, the better. A soft hum of background noise is fine—as long as it’s not people talking, music with lyrics, or anything too jarring.

• Comfortable lighting. Natural light is great during the day. In the evening, go for warm lighting that’s easy on the eyes. Avoid overhead lights that glare or make you squint—your brain will thank you.

• Good seating. If you’re constantly shifting or uncomfortable, you’ll get distracted fast. A supportive chair and a clear desk help you stay focused longer.

• Air and temperature. A slightly cool room keeps you alert. Fresh air—whether from an open window or a fan—also helps you stay awake and engaged.

• Keep it tidy. Visual clutter is a sneaky distraction. Try to keep your reading space clean and minimal. The fewer things your eyes and brain have to process, the better your focus.

• Designate a reading spot. When you consistently read in the same place, your brain starts to associate that space with focus and calm. Over time, just sitting down there can help you switch into “reading mode.”

At the end of the day, reading is not just about what’s on the page—it’s also about what’s going on around you. By understanding how sound affects your brain and taking small steps to manage your environment, you can actually train yourself to read better, remember more, and enjoy the process.

Conclusion

While some individuals may prefer background sounds during reading, the consensus in neuroscience research suggests that silence or minimal auditory distractions are optimal for reading comprehension. As our environments become increasingly noisy, understanding and mitigating the impact of sound on our cognitive functions becomes ever more critical.

References

• Vasilev, M. R., Kirkby, J. A., & Angele, B. (2018). Auditory distraction during reading: A Bayesian meta-analysis of a continuing controversy. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(5), 567–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617747398

• Rettie, L., Marsh, J. E., Liversedge, S. P., Wang, M., & Degno, F. (2024). Auditory distraction during reading: Investigating the effects of background sounds on parafoveal processing. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/17470218241269327

• Lee, J., & Kim, H. (2020). The effects of background music on neural responses during reading comprehension. Scientific Reports, 10, 18878. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75623-3

• Connolly, D., Dockrell, J. E., Mydlarz, C., Shield, B., Conetta, R., & Cox, T. (2019). The effects of classroom noise on the reading comprehension of adolescents. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 145(2), 1051. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.509617