Well, can you?
We live in an age where not having something on feels like we might be missing out. As a result, we put things on either to focus our attention on, or in the background. We get so used to it that we put things on seemingly automatically.
This means we totally miss the chance for some silence, or some quiet meditation and time alone with our thoughts.
Barring those who use special earphones, swimming is its own form of silent meditation. Those who have done extensive swimming understand just how meditative it can be. And this is because we are all but forced to be alone with our thoughts.
But with a little self-control and discipline, we can easily expand this into other parts of our lives.
Do you really need that background noise? Could you live without it for the next little while?
Try it. You might be surprised with the results.