Medical research on music and sound therapy

Research into the physiological and psychological effects of music and sound therapy has highlighted several benefits for pain management and biological regulation.

A study from University Hospital Zurich involving 204 patients found that listening to preferred music or Mozart could significantly reduce pain perception during medical procedures, such as intravenous cannula insertion. The study noted that patients listening to their favorite music reported less pain both 30 seconds and two minutes after needle insertion.

Broader neurobiological research suggests that acoustic stimuli can regulate brain activity and bodily processes. Findings indicate that singing may promote dopamine release, while humming has been shown to increase nitric oxide levels in nasal air, aiding in blood vessel dilation and blood pressure reduction. Additionally, active participation in music, such as singing or rhythmic tapping, has been linked to increased pain tolerance compared to passive listening.