White Noise
Sound Therapy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Coviello (Tanner) is a former aerospace engineer who
specialized in hypergolic propellants. His hobbies include
shooting zombies and reloading ammunition. |
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What is White noise?
White noise is also a type of noise that blocks out other irritating noises and helps you relax and concentrate. People generally consider it as a sound that blocks out other sounds and is commonly associated with something like that of static on a radio. It does not actually block out noises but rather masks them so your brain can't distinguish environmental noises from the white noise, thereby eliminating the distraction.
Definitions of White noise:
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A noise produced by a stimulus containing all of the audible frequencies of vibration; It is a good masking agent - wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
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A random signal (or process) with a flat power spectral density. In other words, the signal contains equal power within a fixed bandwidth at any center frequency. ... - en.wikipedia.org
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Aa 'sh' noise produced by a stimulus containing all audible frequencies of vibration.
Uses For White Noise
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To Mask Other Noises
Research shows that a steady stream can filter and mask distracting and disruptive noises, such as barking dogs, loud neighbors, snoring and more. -
For Sleeping
It masks the annoying and distracting noises that make it difficult to sleep and creates a calming and soothing environment. -
For Snoring Relief
It can block the sounds of snoring and other unwanted sounds to let you get a more restful sleep. These sounds by your bedside provide a masking effect that makes it easy to ignore snoring sounds. -
To Help Babies Sleep
It has also been effectively used to help calm and soothe young children and fussy babies. -
Concentration
Because of its sound masking properties, it creates a perfect reading, studying or meditation environment. -
For Tinnitus
Tinnitus sufferers use it for tinnitus relief. -
While Traveling
Travel size white noise generators are available in the form of CDS, software and small devices that you can pack in your luggage. They can quite those noisy hotel rooms and disturbing noises for a good night's sleep and can be taken anywhere a portable CD player can go. -
For Electronics
It is used in the production of electronic music and for testing amplifiers and electronic filters. -
For Privacy
Sound masking noise is used as privacy enhancers. -
For Acoustics
It is used by sound engineers to test the acoustics of a building or room.
-
Learning Aid
It helps with concentration in ADD/ADHD
What Does White noise Sound Like?
The sound is like a light radio static or hissing sound and is created
by combining together all of the frequencies of sound in the human range of
hearing. Just as white light is made of all of the frequencies in the
visible light spectrum, white noise similarly contains all frequencies of
sound. (example: think of it as 20,000 tones playing at the same
time). The sound is sometimes compared to the sound of steam
seeping into an overheated radiator or to the constant whooshing sound of a
waterfall. You can hear the sound of different colors of noise online
by clicking the noise color links of this website. Samples can be heard by clicking on the following links. Some
may be a little harsh on your ears so it is best to set your computer's
volume control to low before you click on the link, then adjust accordingly.
You may also wish to try some of the other color sounds of noise as they are
more pleasing sounds to listen to.
White Sample #1
White Sample #2
Pink Noise Sample
Brown Noise Sample
Violet Noise
Sample
Why not use a fan or other machine to create A Masking Sound rather than a Generator?
There is a big difference between the constant noise created by a household machine and that of generator. A generator produces random sound in nearly every frequency that humans can hear effectively masking or blocking distracting noises. A fan or air conditioner only generates noise in a small frequency band. Since it does not cover the entire frequency band, it's not going to mask out next door neighbors, barking dogs, or random noises.
What are White noise Headphones?
They are simply headphones that you use to listen to white noise through. They allow you to shut out a noisy environment without disturbing the people next to you. Some headphones are specialized noise canceling headphones that can effectively reduces environmental noise by up to 85% with or without audio. noise canceling earbuds are also available for those who prefer earbuds to headphones or headsets.
How Does It Help You Sleep?
The technology combines all the possible sounds together and produces a different kind of noise that masks irritating noises and helps you to relax. Sleep comes more easily because your brain no longer distracted.
Does It actually Block Out noises?
No, it does not actually block out noises around you but works by creating a distraction for the brain so that you become less aware them. Hearing one voice or noise is a distraction. Hearing a thousand voices becomes a drone where individual voices are indistinguishable therefore the brain will tend to ignore it.
Why Do Babies Like to Sleep By White noise Sound?
Some sounds are specifically designed to calm and soothe babies. They have a soothing "whooshing" sound that helps babies relax and fall asleep safely and naturally, without the use of medications. This soothing sound has been shown to calm infants and newborns even when they're fussy or crying.
Does White noise Contain subliminal messages?
No. There are no hidden messages or "ghosts" in the noise. It is just a sound.
Can White noise be used at work?
Yes. When used in an office environment, it will help drown out noise and keeps some conversations private. To block out unwanted and distracting noises at the office simply open the web page containing your desired "noise" to work by and adjust the volume accordingly. Leave the window open in the background and perform your work. Close the web page when done.
How do I Use White noise Sound for Sleeping?
If you have a computer in your bedroom simply open the web page containing your desired "noise" to sleep by and adjust the volume accordingly. Use the sleep function timer on your computer if you want it to stop after a certain period of time. A good sleep will leave you refreshed in the morning.
Does It help you to pay attention?
Yes. It provides a distraction for your brain enabling you to concentrate better.
Does It help with Tinnitus?
Yes. Please reference the following
Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the human ear in the
absence of corresponding external sound.
It is usually described as a ringing noise, but may take the form of a high
pitched whining, buzzing, hissing, humming, or other noise.
Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Information Library .... In
tinnitus retraining therapy, generators are worn behind the ear
to
help a person with tinnitus learn to ignore the unwanted sounds. Prevention.
...
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health_information_library/?ArticleID=2780 - 27k -
2008-08-25 - Cached
Johns Hopkins International - Patients ... No cure exists but many tinnitus
sufferers experience relief using
generators or hearing aids that create a light background noise that
distracts ...
www.imc.jhmi.edu/JHI/English/Patients/HopkinsNFY_Apr03.asp - 26k - Cached
How Does a White noise Alarm Clock Work?
The phrase is a little misleading. One would think that it is an alarm clock that wakes you to the sound of it. It is simply an alarm clock that has the capability to play it to allow you to sleep. It can be programmed to fade out after a preset time or stay on all night.
What is a White noise Generator?
It is and device that produces white noise. Some of these noise generators are offered as free downloads on the internet and are played on the computer or other sound producing device. Other generators are electrical/mechanical devices that are available for purchase.
What is a Sound Conditioner?
Sound conditioners are devices that generate a range of repetitive soothing sounds or noise that can help you concentrate or sleep undisturbed. Sound Conditioners come in two basic styles (mechanical and electrical). Mechanical sound conditioners produce sounds by a whirring fan device or other mechanical device. Electronic sound conditioners produce sound using electronics and electronic speaker systems. Sound conditioners produce a calming sound that effectively blocks out noises in the environment and help a person drift into sleep.
What is a White noise Sleep Machine?
It is simply any noise generator that you put by your bed to sleep to.
What is the Best Way to Block Sound?
There is no single best way to block out sound. It depends on your individual circumstance. Many people use sound blocking headphones, ear plugs, ear muffs and noise canceling technology.
What is Gaussian White Light
"Gaussian noise also known as white noise or thermal noise was first defined by Karl Gauss the German mathematician. Gaussian noise is evenly distributed across the entire range of frequencies." source: http://www.mpirical.com
What does Gaussian mean?
Of or relating to Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss or his mathematical theories. Gauss, a German mathematician and scientist contributed to number theory, statistics, analysis, differential geometry, geodesy, electrostatics, astronomy and optics.
What are White noise Ghosts?
These ghosts are the "voices" that some people hear when listening to white noise.
How to Hear a Ghost -
For decades, paranormal researchers have been recording enigmatic voices on audiotape. Called electronic voice phenomena - or EVP - these strange-sounding voices have been captured using ordinary tape recorders and cassette tapes. Often these researchers venture out into cemeteries or allegedly haunted houses. Sometimes the voices seem to respond to questions asked by the researchers, but often they are unprompted. In every case, however, the voices are not heard at the time they are recorded. Oddly, it is not until later when the researchers play the tape back - often with amplification or filtering - that the voices can be distinguished. Are they ghosts? Voices from another dimension? Something else? What they are exactly is a matter of debate, but there's little denying that they are there - and completely unexplained." http://paranormal.about.com/library/weekly/aa102901a.htmElectronic
voice phenomena is today one of the most fascinating areas of
paranormal research. Human-sounding voices from unknown origin are recorded
on such electronic media as tape recorders, digital voice recorders, video
recorders and other devices. Strangely, the voices are not heard at the time
of the recording; it is only when the recording is played back that the
voices are heard. (Contrary to the premise of the film, EVPs are
very often found without the use of "white noise" – random static from a
radio or television – although this method has been used successfully.)
http://paranormal.about.com/od/ghostaudiovideo/a/aa010305.htm
Too Many Distractions for Studying? Can't Concentrate?
I had a friend in college who used to lie on his bed studying with radio by his side listening to static. We thought he was crazy until he explained that the static blocks out the distracting noise coming from down the hallway. That was his way of masking unwanted noises. His radio was his noise generator. It worked for him. He got straight A's.
Having Trouble Sleeping? Try White noise Sleep!
Have you ever been sleeping in bed when the next door neighbors dog started to bark or your hear noises or voices coming from outside. It doesn't take much to prevent you from falling back to sleep. Even the sound of the ticking clock on the wall may keep you awake. Ear plugs don't help much because they don’t block all the sounds. Those low frequency sounds or that occasional high pitched noise makes it through and keeps you awake. I used to try to block them by falling to sleep to the drone of the television in my bedroom. That would work some of the time, until a loud commercial would come on. On day when sleeping to the TV, I awoke from a dream which consisted of "me" interacting with the characters on Gilligan's Island only to find Gilligan's Island playing on the television. Apparently the television show penetrated my dreaming mind and my mind incorporated Gilligan's Island into my active dream. I was impressed, but I have since opted for sleeping to white noise when I anticipate a noisy night.
Buying White noise Machines & Sound Conditioners
Sound Conditioners Help you Sleep Better
How often have you lay awake at night trying to get to sleep but finding
it impossible due to all the noise around that you just can't shut out?
Ever been frustrated with hearing snoring partners, rowdy neighbors or
any one of a number of different noises that keep you from drifting off?
Then try a white noise machine! They are a
remarkable way to mask the sounds around you. They produce a pleasant
sound that is similar to a fan or the sound of radio static that gently
pushes annoying sounds in the background away, thereby allowing you to
sleep better and stay asleep. Sound machines are also great for
office privacy situations (such as medical clinics) where conversations
need to be kept confidential. They are also very
comforting for babies and young children too. Many sleep deprived
parents have found a good night's sleep after introducing a white noise
machine into their child's bedroom. A noise generating machine helps babies
and children fall asleep easily and often times sleep through the entire
night.
The noise machine is especially useful for the following:
Recommendations
-College dorms Day care centers
-Health care institutions Motor homes and RV's
-Apartment living Hotels and motels
-Assisted living center
Applications
-Street noise Appliance noise
-Television and stereos Noisy neighbors
-Baring dogs Air traffic
-Snoring spouse Conversation
-Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing in the ears, etc.)
http://www.dreamessentials.com/a_intro_sound_conditioners.aspx
CMU study shows college student sleep patterns could be detrimental
"A similar study by Forquer and Johnson, published in "Sleep and
Hypnosis," found that the use of continuous White noise may help college
students get better sleep. The study found that it was
effective for college students with self-reported sleep problems to
decrease difficulty in falling asleep and night wakings." http://www.news.cmich.edu/2008/05/cmu-study-shows-college-studen/
HowStuffWorks
Where can I listen to Free White noise Online?
At WhitenoiseForFree.com you can listen to it online for free. You can also hear many the other colors of noise including pink, brown(red), purple (violet), blue, orange, black and green as well as other masking sounds.
See Also..