Researchers say that while our senses work together to help interpret the world around us, our eyes are best at interpreting some information while our ears are better at others.

Although we’re right in the middle of summer, students are already preparing for the fall, students often try different studying methods including reading, listening to audio or flashcards until they figure out what works best for them. Mariner High School Senior Erin Roth says, “Whenever I study for a test I have to read things over and over again or use flashcards to remember them better.”

Reading information may not be the best approach… hearing information may make it easier to trigger our memory and tune in to the information. Erin also says, “But whenever I listen to music I can always remember the lyrics.”

Ophthalmologist Scott Geller explains, “I think that the auditory senses, such as hearing, are a little more defined in the sense that someone can be doing other activities and still hear what's going on around them and pay attention to it while they're doing those other activities.”

Well, if you’re like me you learn a lot easier listening instead of watching. Vision requires much more concentration. Dr. Geller says, “My old professor, who is now gone, used to say to me when I was a resident" Dr. Geller you look but you do not see." I think that’s the case with many people.

Just like with Erin: she may be seeing her notes but not really registering the information as well as if she were to hear them.

Doctors also recommend using audio in combination with visual aids to maximize the information digested.