What is white noise?
The term ‘white noise’ is derived from the same concept as white light. White light includes all the colors of the spectrum. In the same way, white noise includes sound from the entire audible spectrum. With today’s technology, white noise is specifically focused on the sound range of human speech.
The first question most people as is how adding more noise will help them concentrate better. Have you ever been in a dark room where there is a flashing light, like a cell phone or a child playing with a flashlight? That little light can be very distracting and irritating. But if you turn on the bright room lights, you hardly even notice the smaller light anymore.
Sound can work the same way; distracting noises can be hidden by the adding general background sound. This can cover the distractions of conversations, street noises, and other intrusive sounds.
Does white noise really work?
Although the science behind it may seem confusing and far fetched, the application is all it claims to be. Government agencies were the first to apply this technology because of its effectiveness. Other industries have also greatly benefited from the privacy and productivity white noise can provide. The result is less distraction, greater productivity, and increased confidentiality.
Why use white noise?
White noise helps cover distracting or irritating sounds. It can be used in numerous situations where you need to get away from the noises.
Less distraction at work – A local white noise machine masks conversations and other office noise around you, helping you better concentrate on your work. Sound masking installed in the entire office space will benefit the entire office.
Improved privacy and confidentiality – Many office situations need confidentiality: (Human Resources, Government Services, Medical Facilities, Counseling, etc. Sound masking improves privacy in an entire office complex. It uses white noise on a larger scale to make human speech unintelligible to those outside the immediate conversation.
Less interrupted sleep – Using a sound machine while sleeping will cover up the jolting sounds from neighbors or street noise, letting you sleep longer with less interruptions.
Sound therapy for tinnitus – Some sound therapies have been proven to lessen the discomfort caused by ‘ringing in your ears’ or tinnitus.
White noise can help you increase your productivity at work and experience more restful sleep at night. With the increasing availability of free white noise generators and portable sound machines, everyone should give this technology a try. The benefits are definitely worth it!
- C. Sumner