Researchers from Stockholm University in Sweden say that white noise in a classroom can help inattentive children learn, but it may hinder other students. This study is the first to link noise to both improved cognitive functions and attention.

In the study, 51 schoolchildren tried to remember as many objects as possible from a list while white noise is playing in the background. Researchers repeated the test without the ambient sounds and suggested that a phenomenon called "stochastic resonance" might explain why those who have trouble focusing find it easier to learn with background noise. Analysts say that the presence of white noise improved the memory of children who were found to be inattentive.

"There was significant improvement in performance for the children rated as inattentive by their teachers, and a significant decline in performance for those rated as attentive as noise levels were increased," said Goran Soderlund, the lead researcher of the study.

Experts say that these findings could offer non-invasive and non-pharmacological help to improve grades of those students who find it difficult to pay attention in class.