Reading Chat Monday: Noise or Silence When Reading?
“Open Book” by Dave Dugdale
I’ve mentioned many times that I can’t deal with total silence due to the constant ringing/whistling in my ears which gets more and more noticeable when there isn’t some other kind of noise to drown it out. So even when I’m reading, I prefer to have music playing in the background—instrumental music, though, so that lyrics don’t distract me from what I’m reading. However, if it’s a book I’m really enjoying, one I’m completely engrossed in, it doesn’t matter what’s going on around me—a busy waiting room or airport, or even a TV blaring in the background (though earbuds and an MP3 with music to offset it is helpful).
What about you?
Do you prefer silence when you’re reading, or can you read with music or noise in the background?
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KayeDacus.com 
I would say both. when I am traveling I have the mp3 player on. often at the bookshop I have music in the background and will read watching tv. but I also like silence. at night I go to bed to read with no noise. I have the ringing in my ear and when I am tired or someone is playing base loud I notice it more. at present I am not really noticing it so not sure if its gone or I have just gotten so use to it I dont hear it much now.
At present its taking forever to read a book. total read in July 3!
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I am the oldest of 10 kids, so grew up reading with constant noise in the background. I guess necessity made me learn to tune it out, and I can still read no matter what’s going on around me. I also like to sit out on my screened porch in the summer and read with no background noise but the chirping birds. So I guess it makes no difference to me.
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I prefer to read in the quiet. However, I can read and be engrossed anywhere and at anytime, which is why I sometimes find myself at the end of the book and the clock reading 4:30 a.m. or later. Once, I get completely involved, I rarely can put the book down.
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I can pretty much read in either environment…
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If I’m reading a historical book I sometimes listen to classical music. Contemporary book, not so much. Most of the time I prefer total silence. I’ve been re-reading several of Julie Klassen’s books and since they’re set in Regency times, I’ve been listening to my soundtracks from Pride and Prejudice 1995 and Emma 2009. I prefer headphones though, with the music right up next to my ears; not just barely-can-hear background noise. Music in the car drives me nuts unless everyone is quiet and we are all listening to the music. If we are going to talk then turn the radio/CD all the way off.
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If it’s a good book, I’m not easily distracted, I can read through noise or silence. I love to read outside with the sounds of nature all around me.
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To concentrate on what I read and the kids are watching TV in the same room I wash my hair, curl it and sit under the protable hair dryer. Takes longer that blow drying, but is soothing and I can concentrate better. Also can keep my eyes on the kids while entertaining myself. Other wise I like it quiet even if I am not reading. Like to hear the wind chimes and birds outside more than constant radio or TV chatter.
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I probably prefer silence, but I often read while husband is watching sports on TV, so I can go either way. Anything rather than watch sport (except the Olympics).
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I can read in either, as long as someone isn’t specifically talking to me & interrupting my train of thought (both my boys, big & little do this-it appears me reading is magnetic. So I try to wait til bedtime when it’s a bit quieter!)
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Reading is the one thing I can do anytime, anywhere under any conditions. It’s possible an earthquake might occur, and I wouldn’t look up from the book.
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silence preferably a little noise I can handle, to much is distracting
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