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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)

#61

Post by carbonguy »

executesorder66 wrote: post #18

I've always been confused by people that enjoy white noise. It's awful. Here is a sample from the wikipedia page on white noise : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AWhite... Does anyone genuinely enjoy listening to that? On the other hand, even though I don't, I could imagine why someone might like Brown noise (sounds almost like the ocean) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3A…

Not so much a fan of white noise either, but I like brown noise so much I wrote my own generator: https://justbrownnoise.com

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

#63

Post by SketchySeaBeast »

petra wrote: post #59
fouc wrote: post #51

From Norman Doidge's book "The Brain That Changes Itself", I learned that: Long term white noise exposure might be associated with hearing loss, especially age-related. The theory was that "nerves that fire together, wire together", too much white noise compared to clear sounds will cause the neural mapping for sounds to gradually become fuzzier, making distinctions between sounds will become harder.

"However, a recent study in the JAMA Journal of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery states that white noise’s lack of structure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. The study researchers also suggest that white noise could possibly “accelerate the ageing of the brain” and increase the risk for dementia" Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-...

Hmmm, I wonder what implications that has for those of us who like to sleep with a fan.

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

#64

Post by dbsmith83 »

basq wrote: post #49
executesorder66 wrote: post #18

I've always been confused by people that enjoy white noise. It's awful. Here is a sample from the wikipedia page on white noise : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AWhite... Does anyone genuinely enjoy listening to that? On the other hand, even though I don't, I could imagine why someone might like Brown noise (sounds almost like the ocean) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3A…

When I code I use white noise, or pink noise, but it's run through a low pass filter to trim off the harsh high ends. I'll also add a slight comb filter then modulate the frequency with a slow LFO (around .05 hz) to give it some movement. Some extra processing then happens like a compressor to even it out a bit and add warmth. It's quite effective, especially for noisy environments.

Do you have a sample you could provide?

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

#66

Post by thenthenthen »

wing-_-nuts wrote: post #48
copperx wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why would they loop? Creating white noise is one line of bash.

Most of these machines are 'multi-function' machines that play crickets / waterfalls, etc in addition to white noise. That sound is best handled by capturing a snippet and looping it over and over again. The same applies for white noise as well unfortunately. Also it's usually a good idea to buy a little machine for this that uses like 5W vs running your computer all night.

It's crazy they loop, it just takes one transistor in avalanche mode to create white noise. Maybe I should mod my Bose Sleep buds that have ridiculously bad sound quality and short loops (and battery life).

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

#67

Post by qumpis »

executesorder66 wrote: post #60
bradford wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd take white noise over distracting background noises (i.e., roommates, coffee shops) in a heartbeat. The point isn't to enjoy the sound per se, it's to block distractions. But yes, I do prefer brown noise over white noise by a wide margin.

But then why choose such a horrible sound to drown out the background? Why not something easier on the ear? Personally I find the noise so jarring and intolerable I'd be more distracted by it (even on a low volume) than whatever irritating noises I'm hearing in the background.

Well that's your feeling and that's fine. But I'm okay with both white and brown noise, don't feel it's jarring. In fact, any other kind if noise distracts me

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

#68

Post by amelius »

SketchySeaBeast wrote: post #63
petra wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"However, a recent study in the JAMA Journal of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery states that white noise’s lack of structure can worsen tinnitus symptoms. The study researchers also suggest that white noise could possibly “accelerate the ageing of the brain” and increase the risk for dementia" Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-...

Hmmm, I wonder what implications that has for those of us who like to sleep with a fan.

Or walking by the sea (though that's more akin to pink noise, I think)

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

#69

Post by plants »

carbonguy wrote: post #61
executesorder66 wrote: post #18

I've always been confused by people that enjoy white noise. It's awful. Here is a sample from the wikipedia page on white noise : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AWhite... Does anyone genuinely enjoy listening to that? On the other hand, even though I don't, I could imagine why someone might like Brown noise (sounds almost like the ocean) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3A…

Not so much a fan of white noise either, but I like brown noise so much I wrote my own generator: https://justbrownnoise.com

This is really nice. It sounds a lot like a waterfall or whitewater. Very soothing.

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

#70

Post by piyh »

jhoechtl wrote: post #46

Headline in 30 years: The long term effect of white noise caused a decline in IQ by 5%. We would do better not to manipulate our brain when we do not know the mechanics.

Voluntary white noise is the bottom of the adverse environmental factors list I'm worried about.
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