We are hard-wired to respond to music. Scientists say that music stimulates more parts of our brain than any other human function. Experts claim that music has the potential to change the brain and affect the way it works. Athletes use stimulating music to get up for a big game. Songs helps preschoolers learn the basics like the alphabet and how to count. Listening to upbeat tunes can help lift feelings of sadness. Studies show that music can be therapeutic and healing. It has the ability to lower heart rates, reduce stress, dissolve depression, calm the mind, regulate blood pressure and boost the immune system.

We are hard-wired to respond to music. Scientists say that music stimulates more parts of our brain than any other human function. Experts claim that music has the potential to change the brain and affect the way it works. Athletes use stimulating music to get up for a big game. Songs helps preschoolers learn the basics like the alphabet and how to count. Listening to upbeat tunes can help lift feelings of sadness. Studies show that music can be therapeutic and healing. It has the ability to lower heart rates, reduce stress, dissolve depression, calm the mind, regulate blood pressure and boost the immune system.

With all of these amazing health benefits, wouldn’t it be nice if we could listen to music all the time? Some bath product manufacturers agree and have designed items aimed at making it easier to use music as an effective relaxation and stress management tool while in the bathroom. Besides in-wall and in-ceiling speakers (available from manufacturers like Sonos, Architectural Audio, Acoustic Audio and Polk) or waterproof speakers (from Mr. Steam, Thermasol, Kohler and more) built straight into the shower walls, here is a sampling of some of the options you may want to suggest to your bath clients. 

BainUltra lets you safely listen to serene sounds while soaking in the tub.  Its Euphonia wireless and waterproof headphones feature sleek cans that connect to a wall-mounted MP3 player. Drowning out surrounding noise, they pipe in your favorite tunes. You can choose from a selection of pre-programmed music or upload your own personal collection.

The Bluetooth-enabled iShower is another option for rocking out with your Apple or Android device.  Since it’s water resistant, you can mount it near the shower or sink where you can easily access the controls. It supports up to five device pairings, letting the whole family take a turn at the turntable.

Kohler Co. offers a range of options for relaxing in the bathroom. For a more immersive experience, it brings sound right into the actual bathtub. Its VibrAcoustic hydrotherapy system gives new meaning to the phrase “good vibrations.” Using the science of sound therapy, these baths emit sound waves that gently resound within the body. An alternative to the vigorous jet action of whirlpools, VibrAcoustic makes use of music’s undeniable mood-enhancing quality. You can pick from preprogrammed compositions,use your own Bluetooth-enabled device or your MP3 player to choose your own intensity.

Continue the soft mood music, or set the tone for a jammin’ day with Kohler’s StereoStik. The panel installs onto existing Kohler mirrored cabinetry (sold separately) and offers an AM/FM radio along with MP3 connectivity. It’s made of rust-free aluminum and offers a no-fuss way to bring music into the bath.

Winding down with music or soaking in a relaxing bath may be common, but companies like INAX and Kohler are helping along another musical trend … toilet time. Both companies offer extremely contemporary commodes that play music to match your mood. With the INAX Eco-X toilet, a speaker is embedded in the main unit of the toilet. You can choose from classical music or relaxation sounds, or play your own music collection through an SD card.

If a $4-6,000 toilet that sings is out of the question, consider the toilet roll dispenser iPod /iPhone dock from Atech Flash. iCarta features four high-performance moisture-free speakers that deliver high-quality sound, letting you listen to the music and podcasts of your choice while you go. Charge your iPod and dispense your toilet paper at the same time, or fold the paper-holding arms in and use it as a stereo dock.

And finally, Italian manufacturer Stocco makes Maitre, a mirror that features touchscreen controls for an integrated MP3 player. While it doesn’t offer wireless capabilities, it does offer a clock, barometer, demisting feature, and the ability to get your groove on while you groom.

What’s your favorite way to integrate music into your bathroom projects? Email me: holly.berecz@me.com.