What is white noise?

White noise gets its name from white light which includes all the colors of the spectrum. White noise includes indistinguishable sounds from the entire audible sound 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. Imagine a dark room, where someone is randomly blinking a flashlight. The light is obvious and very distracting. Now picture that the overhead lights in the room have been turned on. Although the flashlight is still blinking, it is hardly noticeable because it has been masked by background 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 interruptive sounds. Here are a few of the many applications for white noise.

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 - White noise can help you sleep through street noise, or unfamiliar sounds while traveling, resulting in a better night's sleep.

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