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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. Today's technology, however, focuses the sound on the frequency range of human speech.

Now you are probably wondering how adding noise can help with concentration and productivity. Picture for a moment that you are in a dark room and someone across the room is randomly blinking a flashlight at you. The flashlight is very distracting and even irritating. But what happens if someone turns on the overhead lights? You hardly notice the flashlight because it is covered by the bright overhead lights.

Sound machines work on a similar principle. By adding general white noise, similar to that of a fan or an AC unit, distracting sounds around you, like conversations, street noise or neighbors, are hardly noticeable.

Does white noise really work?

White noise, when used correctly, really can mask conversations and other noises that interrupt your work or sleep. 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. White noise creates an environment with less distractions and greater privacy.

Why use white noise?

White noise helps cover distracting or irritating sounds. Here are just a few of the situations where white noise can benefit you.

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 - In industries requiring greater confidentiality (such as hospitals, government offices, counseling, etc.), sound masking systems use white noise is designed to cover human speech so people who aren't in the conversation cannot hear the conversation.

Less interrupted sleep - White noise can mask boisterous neighbors and jolting, street noise for a better night's sleep, for you and your kids. It can also provide better sleep when traveling by covering unfamiliar sounds.

Sound therapy for tinnitus - Sound machines have been successfully use to lower the discomfort of tinnitus, or 'ringing in your ears.'

White noise by not be for everyone, but many people have used sound masking to increase their productivity at work and decrease their interruptions at night. There are free white noise generators and portable sound machines that make it easy to try for yourself. The benefits are definitely worth it!