Music or noise: How does noise really affect our concentration?

Music or noise: How does noise really affect our concentration?

For many, music is an everyday companion when working or studying. But does the melody actually help you concentrate better? The answer to this is not as simple as it seems. Sandra Dantscher, noise expert at the DGUV Institute for Occupational Safety, makes it clear that the impression that music supports concentration can be misleading.

Noises around us are often underestimated disruptive factors. Constant chatter in open-plan offices, the chatter of classmates in the classroom or the cheerful chatter in the supermarket can be stressful, even at moderate volume levels. Many people perceive these ambient noises to different degrees due to their individual sensitivity. What is hardly worth mentioning to one person can upset another and lead to nervousness or difficulty concentrating.

Music and its effects on concentration

Dantscher examined in more detail what influence music has on our cognitive abilities. While there are some who believe their favorite songs make them more productive, scientific studies show a different picture. The background is evolutionary: The human brain is conditioned to process all sounds and information in its environment. When music is playing in the background, especially understandable speech, attention is inevitably divided.

The noise expert explains that a conscious approach to noise is crucial. In particular, understandable language — be it a phone call three desks away or the radio playing in the supermarket — distracts attention and requires cognitive resources. The brain only has a limited capacity to process information at the same time. This is put under additional strain by music and can cause us to be slower or less precise in our work.

So there is a fine line on which the advantages and disadvantages of music when working. While the sound of background music is calming for some and can create a pleasant working environment, for others it causes difficulty focusing. So it remains a personal experience that must be evaluated individually.

The result? While some work as if the music is driving them, others struggle to organize their thoughts and process the information. Dantscher's conclusion is clear: listening pleasure may be perceived subjectively, but the distraction of music can influence an integral part of our cognitive processes.

When it comes to the question of whether music is really a valuable aid to concentration, it remains crucial to take into account your own way of working and your individual reactions to music and noises in different environments. Finding the right balance could be the key to a more productive work environment.