White sound works on the same principle as white light- when all the possible tones that are audible to the human ear are mixed together, white sound is created. Describing white noise is like describing almost 20,000 tones of all the frequencies possible playing at the same time and canceling each other out in the process. The resultant sound that is emitted by white noise sound machines is similar to the whooshing sound created by an air conditioner or the constantly rotating sound of a fan.

How It Works

Simply put, white sound has a neutralizing effect on all disruptive sounds. When there are two or three people talking at the same time, the brain usually picks out one of these voices and listens to it. However the brain is unable to distinguish one voice when there are over a thousand people talking all at once. White sound is the equivalent to several voices of different frequencies, all talking at the same time, which renders the ears incapable of hearing any more external noises. Noise machines, which produce white noise, are extremely effective in masking annoying sounds thereby promoting better sleep and enhanced concentration in offices and schools.

Where Machines Are Used

White noise machines can be used in a multitude of places for many different reasons. They are increasingly being used to promote sleep in homes and hotels, to enhance concentration in college dorms and libraries and to provide privacy in offices and cubicles.

White sound machines promote uninterrupted sleep by blocking out loud annoying sounds such as those made by blaring music and televisions, dogs barking, car horns, loud neighbors, airplanes and snoring. They are particularly effective as sleep aids for individuals who suffer from tinnitus, an irritating ringing in the ears and for colicky babies.

When used in college dorms white noise machines enhance concentration by drowning out sounds of music systems and televisions and the constant chatter of dorm-mates.

Sound machines also find use in offices to masking the sounds of keyboard clicking or typing, manufacturing noises, conversations and other office sounds, boosting focus and concentration among the employees. White noise machines also offer cubicle privacy in the office.

Dentists, counselors and therapists are increasingly using white sound machines to ensure their patients' confidentiality and oral privacy.

Travel noise machines are ideal for using in hotels during overseas travel.