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White noise improves learning by modulating activity in midbrain regions (2014)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Re: White noise improves learning by modulating activity in midbrain regions (2014)

#2
"we tested the hypothesis that auditory white noise, when presented during the encoding of scene images, enhances subsequent recognition memory performance and modulates activity within the dopaminergic midbrain"

Important highlight is that primary task (of remembering images) did not use (or need to use) auditory sense.

Re: White noise improves learning by modulating activity in midbrain regions (2014)

#6
I've used these sound machines for years to both sleep and work: https://yogasleep.com/collections/sound-machines/products/do...

For me personally, white-ish noise has always been a calming factor, which allows me to relax and thus concentrate, if I need to.

Re: White noise improves learning by modulating activity in midbrain regions (2014)

#8
I got into it because of tinnitus, and used it to sleep, but eventually started using it when working. Years ago in menlo park, with headphones on and white/brown noise drowning out the world. I likened it sensory deprivation, as nothing rises above the noise floor and it can fade away from your attention.

Re: White noise improves learning by modulating activity in midbrain regions (2014)

#9
Possibly the same reason why people like to listen to music while working? The essential feature common to white noise and music you're familiar with could be the predictability. I know for me a good song (uptempo, not too distracting) can help me block out the outside world and make me feel very productive.
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