Health · Medical Research · 8 hrs ago
Patients reported less needle pain while listening to their favorite music
Researchers at University Hospital Zurich studied more than 200 patients who needed an intravenous line to receive contrast for an MRI.
Patients were assigned to hear no music, a favorite song or artist, Mozart, or music designed for relaxation while the line was inserted.
They rated their pain before and during the needle insertion, then 30 seconds and two minutes afterward.
Those who heard their favorite music reported less pain at both checks after insertion.
Mozart showed a pain-relief effect only for patients who already had pain, while relaxation music worked much like no music.
The findings suggest that familiar music may help with brief needle procedures, where pain can differ from person to person.
Researchers say further studies should test longer or more painful procedures and compare music with a staff member talking to the patient.
Patients who listened to their favorite music reported less pain after an intravenous line was inserted than patients in other study groups.
The study involved more than 200 patients who needed an intravenous contrast agent for an MRI.
Patients were assigned to hear no music, a favorite song or artist, Mozart, or music designed for relaxation.
Favorite music reduced pain 30 seconds and two minutes after the insertion, while Mozart showed significant relief only for patients with pre-existing pain.
Relaxation music worked almost the same as no music for pain relief, the researchers said.
- Who
- More than 200 patients needing an intravenous line for an MRI took part.
- What
- Researchers compared pain reports under four listening conditions: no music, favorite music, Mozart, and relaxation music.
- When
- The study was reported on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- The research was conducted at University Hospital Zurich.
- Why
- Researchers examined whether music could reduce pain during intravenous line insertion.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers recruited more than 200 patients who needed an intravenous contrast agent.
Patients were assigned to one of four listening conditions and rated their pain before and during the procedure.
Patients who heard their favorite music reported less pain.
The study findings were reported in Frontiers in Pain Research.
- Participants
- More than 200 patients
- Listening groups
- No music, favorite music, Mozart, or relaxation music
- Pain assessment
- Before and during insertion, and 30 seconds and two minutes afterward
- Study site
- University Hospital Zurich
- Journal
- Frontiers in Pain Research
What people are saying
Favorite music showed a significant pain-reducing effect in patients both with and without baseline pain, that is, pre-existing pain before the needle puncture.
Although a needle puncture is a minor procedure, the level of pain can vary significantly from one person to another.
Of the four conditions we examined, only favorite music and Mozart showed a positive effect.
The intervention—in this case venous puncture—consisted only of very short-lasting pain from a small needle, although this can be very painful for some patients.
Sources
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