I have gone on silent retreats, and find them very peaceful. I am also surprised how much silence stimulates my visual senses.  I see more in my surroundings when I don't have to concentrate on words.

At home, I take an occasional day of silence whenever I need one. I try to avoid reading or listening to spoken and sung words during these retreats. I focus on receiving the images and sounds of nature.  Like the birds chattering right now. I had to stop typing for a minute and listen.

I also have gone on meditation retreats, and three days was as long as I kept silence. I could have gone on for a few more days, but I was too happy in my silence and was concerned that it would be difficult to return if I stayed any longer.