I usually prefer silence when studying / writing / doing anything that requires a high level of concentration.
One exception, esp. in situations when I have a hard time concentrating: brainwave entrainment sessions that have been specifically designed to boost concentration, memory functions and creative thought processes. Favorite: the stuff from
Volition Thought House, specifically the "BrainAmp" and "IvyFocus" sessions.
Or: BEFORE I start with the learning/research/writing - 30 min of meditation, enhanced with the use of a mind machine (I use the elderly Procyon, there are
better ones now, but it still does the trick for me).
Most efficient way for me.