What is White Noise?

As a customer, your first reaction before buying a white noise machine is to ask for information regarding what white noise is.

One popular definition when you search the net will come from Wikipedia, which states that white nose is a random signal or process that contains an equal power within a fixed bandwidth at any center frequency.

If you're a novice like me, you will find this too technical, right? To better understand what white noise is, I think we need to further ask how it got its name. White noise was derived in reference to white light which is a result of the combination of all colors that the eyes could see. In the same manner, white noise could therefore be defined as a combination of all sound frequencies that the human ear could distinguish.

White Noise is Worth Using

Imagine that there are 20,000 persons talking at the same time that you could no longer discern what each person is talking about, thus, if another person will say something, it won't matter anymore.

Masking other sounds or shutting it down is basically the effect of white noise to the human ear. Useful applications are listed below so we can see its real value in providing comfort to our daily living.

Extra sleep, anyone?

For people with sleep problems such as insomnia, the effect of white noise has been very helpful. White noise creates an environment that is very conducive for relaxation and sleeping as it produces sound that is soothing to the ear, while both relaxing the mind and shutting down background noises; it can therefore induce sleeping.

This also works for persons who are at the mercy of being in the company of people who snore. It does not actually cure snoring, but it can mask it. This can prevent any disagreements that may arise due to snoring problems as snoring can cause discomfort and sleeplessness to the one who doesn't snore.

If you have a baby at home, white noise will surely be a necessity as sufficient sleeping hours for babies is a requirement for ideal growth and development. By using a white noise generator at home, the parents could be assured that any sudden noise such as a zooming truck outside or a sudden bark from the favorite pet dog won't disturb the newborn's much needed sleep.

Medical benefits of white noise

Medically, it also helps minimize the discomfort brought about by tinnitus. The soothing sound effect alleviates the symptoms felt by patient such as dizziness, headaches, emotional tension and fatigue. Furthermore, there is evidence that it has positive benefits to those who are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder and related conditions by canceling out the background noise thus makes the patient concentrate better.

There are also some emergency sirens that utilize white noise due to its ability to cut through background noise thus enabling passersby to easily locate the source of the sound.

Commercial assistance

Commercial applications include testing of the frequency response of electronic audio equipments and architectural acoustics for concerts or those areas that uses PA systems. It is also used by some musicians to generate electronic music to simulate sounds from percussions. Another use that was proved by research was how white noise increases concentration and thus increasing office productivity or improving school grades. By being able to mask conversations in the study area or office, the person could then concentrate in the task at hand and could fully devote his undivided attention to it. Finally, it could be used by corporations in their offices to minimize corporate espionage by limiting the distance that a person could hear near a boardroom meeting, and other activities where sensitive corporate information was being discussed.

The answer to the question "What is white noise?" is not only a technical one, but should explain its many uses and benefits. Given the advantages white noise can provide us, it's safe to say that it is worth it to buy one and see how it may help you.