New research indicates that the act of walking actively tunes the brain to environmental sounds, significantly enhancing auditory perception. This neural mechanism allows the body's movement to influence how we hear, transforming our auditory experience with each step. The study, published in the September 2025 issue of the *Journal of Neuroscience*, reveals that the brain processes sound differently when in motion compared to when stationary, becoming more attuned to auditory cues.
Scientists from Zhejiang University and the University of Würzburg utilized portable electroencephalograms (EEGs) to monitor brain activity in 35 participants. They observed a heightened synchronization of brain activity with sounds during walking, a phenomenon known as Steady-State Auditory Response (SSAR). This neural coupling to auditory rhythm was notably more pronounced during walking than when participants were standing still or walking in place, suggesting that purposeful movement through space is key to enhancing early-stage auditory processing in the cortex. This effect is associated with a reduction in alpha waves, which are linked to neural inhibition, thereby disinhibiting sensory processing and making the brain more receptive to external information during movement.
The study also highlighted how auditory attention dynamically shifts during navigation. As participants moved along a figure-eight path, their brains showed a pattern of prioritizing sounds from the direction of an upcoming turn and then shifting attention to the opposite side after the turn. This predictive adjustment suggests a sophisticated "active sensing" mechanism, where the brain actively anticipates and optimizes sensory input for navigation and environmental awareness, rather than passively receiving it.
This enhanced auditory sensitivity during movement is particularly notable for peripheral sounds. In a second experiment, brief noise bursts interrupting continuous tones demonstrated a greater alteration in brain response during walking when the noise originated from the side (peripheral sound) compared to when it was presented to both ears simultaneously (central sound). This heightened awareness of peripheral stimuli aligns with the role of peripheral vision in interpreting movement and direction, indicating a similar principle at play for the auditory system to facilitate orientation and spatial awareness.
Beyond these immediate findings, broader research suggests that improved circulation from regular walking can benefit the inner ear's delicate structures, potentially mitigating age-related hearing loss and reducing risks associated with conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Furthermore, the cognitive benefits of walking, such as enhanced hippocampal function, may further support auditory processing by maintaining overall brain sharpness and engagement. The intricate interplay between movement and hearing underscores that humans are active participants in shaping their perception, with each step recalibrating the brain to better engage with the auditory environment.