Research has shown that certain sounds can have a profound impact on individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), helping them to focus and relax. For Jake Sussman, who was diagnosed with ADHD in sixth grade, listening to brown noise and movie scores has been instrumental in improving his ability to concentrate. Sussman’s experience is not unique, and experts believe that the right kind of music can have a significant effect on individuals with ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms.
Sussman’s journey with ADHD led him to discover the benefits of listening to movie scores and brown noise, which he found helped him to focus for hours. He even founded a company, Superpower Mentors, with the help of movie scores playing in the background. The company pairs young people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences with successful adults who have similar interests and neurological conditions. Sussman’s sibling created a playlist, “Movie Scores for Better Test Scores,” which now has over 13,000 subscribers. According to Kevin Woods, the director of science for the music-based productivity app Brain.FM, movie scores are a type of lo-fi music that can help individuals with ADHD to focus. Woods explains that most music is designed to grab attention, but Brain.FM creates music that is suited for focus and productivity.
Research into the effects of sound on brain activity has uncovered several possible explanations for why sound can be a powerful focus tool. For individuals with ADHD, non-distracting background noise can be an effective shield against minor auditory distractions. Brain.FM seeks to apply the concept of using the auditory system to drive rhythmic brain activity to more engaging musical content. The platform’s original tracks are designed to fade into the background and provide a stimulating effect that can help individuals with ADHD to focus. The tracks are organized into categories like “deep work,” “motivation,” and “creativity,” with an added “ADHD Mode” optimized for brains that need extra stimulation. Licensed psychologist Andrew Kahn notes that finding the right background sound can be a game changer for individuals with ADHD, and that taking a scientific approach to experimenting with different sounds and techniques is key.
The impact of using sound to improve focus and productivity is significant, and experts are excited to see the potential benefits for individuals with ADHD. With the low-stakes and easy-to-implement nature of using music and playlists, individuals can experiment with different sounds and techniques to find what works best for them. As research continues to uncover the effects of sound on brain activity, it is likely that new and innovative solutions will emerge to help individuals with ADHD and other attention needs. With the help of companies like Brain.FM and experts like Kevin Woods and Andrew Kahn, individuals with ADHD can find new ways to improve their focus and productivity, and live more fulfilling lives.
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