How to Use White Noise in the Home or Office

White noise can mask sounds. Seems an odd concept: that of using sound to cover sound, but it works. Using white noise in the home or office to deaden sound takes some experimenting to find out what works, but can pleasantly surprise even the biggest skeptic.

Read on for some techniques to use it effectively to create privacy, or cover distracting sounds in your environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Use a fan

   Turn on a small fan. Yes, you've heard of it. That's because it works. The fan is likely the number one white noise maker in use in most homes. However, a technique in using a fan strategically, is to place it near an area of the home or office where sound tends to penetrate such as doors or windows.
   
   The fan pictured here does double duty as a space heater in the wintertime; affording warmth in addition to noise control.

2. 
   Buy a sound machine

   Invest in a sound machine. These range in price from ten dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on whether you choose a simple white noise machine for use in the bedroom or a commercial system designed for office use. Home use machines are mainly effective in a bedroom setting as they are preset with several nature sound options to provide an optimal environment for sleep.
   
   In an office setting; white noise machines may be small enough to fit on a desk, or large enough that they need to be installed in the ceilings or need a speaker system.

3. 
   Strategically place speakers

   Consider whether a music system would be an effective white noise generator for you. Technically, music or the sound of the human voice is not considered white noise, but for some people it can effectively block out outside sounds especially in the work environment.
   
   To use a music system effectively, a surround sound effect is optimal. Placing speakers strategically can block outside noise surprisingly well.
   
   Some commercial true white noise machines use this very concept to cover voice, traffic, and other sounds that are not conducive to a working environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Using white noise in conjunction with soundproofing, or sound deadening, can efficiently cut down or eliminate distracting outside noise.
• See resources below for information on soundproofing ideas.
• Be discerning of the use of white noise when you need to be alert to other sounds in your environment such as with a baby in the next room.

Resources

• Sound deadening for walls
• Soundproofing doors and windows

[turtledove]

on 6/12/2009 We live near a main road, so it can be hard to sleep. (Motorcycles are the worst!) We bought air filters for allergies, and they work well to cover the sound - an added bunus! 5*

[poshadornment]

on 6/8/2009 I like using white noise especially to help me sleep. I have fans running and also keep the house fan on at all times which helps to circulate the air, reduces the need for airconditioning and gives me great white noise. Thanks for this article of great ideas.

[jpwriter]

on 6/5/2009 Maybe it's a good thing then that my laptop fan is on so much. I need white noise because I have a problem with my hearing. I never thought of using a fan so this is great info.

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 5/23/2009 Really good ideas for white noise. I can use these tips!

[Jolocol]

on 5/19/2009 Using noise to cancel noise actually does make sense when you think about it. Great suggestions for possible noise-makers.