White noise has found a place in various productivity and memory routines. However, white noise does have its complexities and detrimental effects. This article explores the risks and limitations associated with white noise, such as its inconsistent effects on working memory, and how it can act as an auditory distractor. Moreover, there have been concerns regarding dependency on white noise. Apart from delving into the possible negative sides of white noise, this article will also address recommendations for white noise usage.

Risks and limitations of white noise

Firstly, the effectiveness of white noise varies from person to person. It has been found that the effects of white noise on working memory vary substantially amongst individuals where some may find it to mask background noise, while others find it as a disruptive element in their auditory field. This means that while some experience productivity and increased memory, others find that they experience no benefit or even a reduction in productivity and abilities to recall. Moreover, it has been found that the effect white noise has on recall accuracy regarding learning items with semantic information was worse than those items without semantic information. This may be due to how semantics may distract individuals which leads to a reduction in focus and hence, lowered recall accuracy levels (Angwin et al., 2017).

 Excessive or poorly regulated white noise can also have detrimental effects on cognitive performance. This finding is consistent with previous research which indicates that exposure to white noise at a 95 dBA level significantly reduces mental workload and visual/auditory attention. This illustrates how white noise can very easily turn into a distraction even though it was primarily celebrated for its ability to mask environmental noises due to its nature of being a combination of all the sound frequencies humans hear (Jafari et al., 2019). 

Lastly, there is potential for excessive and unhealthy dependence on white noise for concentration and memory tasks. Heid (2019) mentions that biologically, individuals may not need white noise to help them sleep or be productive. Constant exposure can often lead to a form of psychological dependence – similar to how dependency on music can be formed as it can be used to become a ubiquitous partner in everyday life. This can lead to individuals facing issues and experiencing negative emotions such as growing tiresome or angry when white noise is not available when they are required to concentrate (Schafer et al., 2013).

Recommendations

As we have explored some risks and limitations that come with utilizing white noise for increased productivity and cognitive performance, let us explore the possible practical recommendations individuals can take on when considering white noise usage.

White noise should be used at moderate noise levels to avoid potential negative effects of lowered productivity and impaired memory recall abilities. Individuals should begin with lowered volumes and slowly observe how white noise affects concentration and cognitive performance. Note that different individuals will have different thresholds when it comes to optimal white noise levels. Individuals should also take note when they experience diminished positive results while using white noise (Othman et al., 2019). 

Lastly, individuals should utilize white noise in environments that already have disruptive noises playing in the background (e.g., traffic noise in town spaces). This is because the main idea of white noise is that it acts as a blanket to other noises within an environment. Adjusting one’s approach to using white noise based on environmental settings can maximize its benefits.

 

As discussed, white noise has potential risks and limitations. Although it is celebrated for its ability to enhance focus and affect working memory, its effectiveness can vary from person to person and environments. By understanding its complexities and utilizing it in the way that best fits an individual can help individuals leverage on its advantages while also minimizing potential negative effects that may come with listening to white noise. Further research should investigate and refine our understanding of white noise and its effect on cognitive performance and working memory.

 

Written by:

Cassandra Selvan

Singapore University of Social Sciences

 

References:

Angwin, A. J., Wilson, W. J., Arnott, W. L., Signorini, A., Barry, R. J. & Copland, D. A. (2017). White noise enhances new-word learning in healthy adults. Scientific Reports, 7(13045). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13383-3

Heid, M. (2019, June 4). Why not everyone should sleep with a white noise machine. Time. https://time.com/5600225/do-white-noise-machines-work/ 

Jafari, M. J., Khosrowabadi, R., Khodakarim, S. & Mohammadian, F. (2019). The effect of noise exposure on cognitive performance and brain activity patterns. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(17), 2924-2931. https://doi.org/10.3889%2Foamjms.2019.742 

Othman, E., Yusoff, A. N., Mohamad, M., Manan, H. A., Giampietro, V., Hamid, A. I. A., Dzulkifli, M. A., Osman, S. S. & Burhanuddin, W. I. D. W. (2019). Low intensity white noise improves performance in auditory working memory task: An fMRI study. Heliyon, 5(9). https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.heliyon.2019.e02444 

Schafer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Stadtler, C. & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2013.00511