Boosting Productivity with White Noise
What is white noise?
White noise describes sound created from all the frequencies in the audible spectrum, just like white light is created from all the colors in the visible spectrum. Today's technology, however, focuses the sound on the frequency 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 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?
Although the science behind it may seem confusing and far fetched, the application is all it claims to be. This technology is used in many government offices, medical facilities and businesses because it has been proven extremely effective. White noise creates an environment with less distractions and greater privacy.
Why use white noise?
White noise helps mask invasive sounds. Here are a few of the many applications for white noise.
Less distraction at work - White noise will mask conversations and other noise in the work place, leaving you free to focus on your work. A sound masking system in the business space will benefit everyone in the 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 help you sleep through street noise, or unfamiliar sounds while traveling, resulting in a better night's sleep.
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!
Published August 6th, 2010
Filed in Business