The sound of Muzak

Reports on the findings of Wilkes University in Pennsylvania that listening to environmental music like Muzak may play a major role in defending upper respiratory infection.

By Mary-Ellen Banashek, published on March 01, 1997

Find a Therapist

Search for a mental health professional near you.

Find Local:

The intricacies and oddities ofhuman behavior never cease to astound. Toy-Time Fun, Phil Loves His Gun, Dating Tips by the Ton

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania's Wilkes University sends word that a little Muzak every day keeps the common cold away. Students subjected to 30 minutes of Muzak "environmental music" showed a 14.1 percent increase in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A levels, which play a major role in defending against upper-respiratory infection. Students who listened to radio music, a tone-click stimulus, or silence didn't fare as well. Does this mean if we listen to one or two John Tesh CDs, we'll never be sick again?