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What is White Noise?
You keep hearing and reading about all the wonderful properties
of this magical "white noise" and how it helps humans (and even
animals) relax and sleep. Before we look at what white noise is
used for and how to add it to your environment, let us first
examine what white noise really is.
To understand the promise of white noise, one must first
understand its mechanics. In its purest form, it is not really
noise at all. White noise, which is also known as white sound,
is a combination of sound frequencies in equal amounts. Just
like a white beam of light is made up of all the colors in
the color spectrum, white noise is made up of all the sound
frequencies.
Because it incorporates all sound frequencies from high sounds
to very low sounds, it has a very beneficial noise canceling
or "masking" effect.
But what does the white noise sound like? Well, the best
description would be to say it sounds like a slow soothing
"whoosh." Many say it is the sound of the rain, or the waves
gently caressing the shore, or the wind blowing through the
trees.
It is a very peaceful sound that is instinctively soothing and
calming to the ears and minds of humans of all ages. White
noise is actually a sound given to us by Mother Nature, in
the same way as she has provided us with water and air. To
learn more about the properties of white noise, you may choose
to read about it on HowStuffWorks.com.
What is the healing power of white noise?
The next question is, what is white noise used for?
Parents have learned to truly appreciate the therapeutic value
of white noise with a new baby in their home. It has been noted
to be very useful in quieting a crying or fussy baby, even with
babies suffering from colic.
Folks who are always contending with environmental noise
pollution find white noise to be essential to increasing
their productivity. College students and office workers
use white noise to mask sounds that may compromise their
concentration.
White noise is even recognized as a sound masking treatment
for those suffering from tinnitus (ringing in the ears),
hyperacusis and other inner ear disorders.
Still others use white noise to mask the sounds that interrupt
their sleep. Whether you must contend with traffic rumbling
down nearby thoroughfares, barking dogs or your spouse's snore,
white noise can be used to effectively mask these sounds as
well. The net result is a more restful sleep with the full
rejuvenating benefits a good night's sleep can bring. Night
shift workers who need to sleep during the day are equally
delighted with the masking effects of white noise.
At this point, we have discovered what white noise is and how
it can be used to improve your life. Now, we must consider how
white noise can be introduced into your personal environment.
How can white noise be obtained?
White noise can actually be obtained in many forms.
Some people say that radio static or the humming sound of
a running fan or air conditioner provides white noise.
Unfortunately, with these methods, you really cannot control
the volume or tone of these sounds. More importantly, you
really would not want to run a fan or air conditioner in
the winter, would you? Additionally, you would not want to
run the risk of burning out your expensive fan motors either.
There had to be a better way.
Some companies produce white noise sound machines and white
noise generators. These devices are not only bulky or
cumbersome to use, they can be also expensive to acquire.
Again, there had to be a better way.
With the advantage of the technology of the Compact Disk to
replicate perfect sound very inexpensively, why should one
have to buy a machine or generator?
CD's are not only very cost effective and portable, but allow
you to control its volume through your existing CD player.
Specifically, white noise CDs give you the flexibility to more
precisely achieve the proper sound level needed to mask sounds
without being too loud on your hearing. You can boost the bass
to cover the low rumbles like truck noise or snoring. And you
can use the "repeat" function to have white noise mask out
disruptive sounds all night long.
White noise can be obtained in different formats such as ocean
waves and the wind. Of course, these are not the real ocean
waves and wind but pure white noise in the soothing rhythmic
pattern of waves or the dynamic intensity of the wind.
Pure white noise CD's can be sampled and acquired from purewhitenoise.com.
In the end, the importance of white noise is not in the format
from which you acquire its therapeutic values. What is really
important is your good health. Explore today how white noise
can help you relax, sleep or improve your concentration.
Copyright © Reg Furlough. Reg is the head of Reg Furlough Productions. Since 1985, his expertise in white noise and sound technology has
successfully benefited thousands of children and adults. For more information, contact him via email, or his website, purewhitenoise.com. Reprinted with permission.
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