Ask Slashdot: Best Way To Block Noise In a Dorm?

First time accepted submitter zmitch32 writes "I live in a dorm, and I have ADHD, so every little noise distracts me. I know this annoyance isn't limited to those with ADHD, so how does everyone else block out the noise? I can't really cover my walls in soundproof foam because I live in a dorm. I can't just listen to music because I find it too interesting and just end up getting distracted by it. I use ear plugs to block out small noises, but they don't block out human voices very well at all. What do you guys/gals recommend?"

Comments

odd technique

[slashmydots]

With whatever you're doing, silently use your internal somatic voice processing system in your brain to process the audio of counting from one to ten (basically process it as if you were going to say it, just never move your mouth). When it combines with whatever else you're doing, it will use up all that part of your brain's resources and you won't be able to hear/process any sounds around you. It's a technique that I learned very quickly when learning to speed read. It works very, very well.

Re: Or White Noise

[Runaway1956]

Best answer so far.

One great source of white noise is a standard box fan. New, most of them are pretty quiet - get a used one that is a little noisy.

For the stereo, don't use music, instead get nature sounds. Ocean sounds, wind sounds, running water sounds, just about anything you can get.

Put your source of white noise between you and the wall through which the most noise comes into the room. Probably the doorway, but maybe not.

The tapestries and other ideas for the walls is also good, but it takes bulk to absorb sound. Posters printed on paper won't do much, thick heavy tapestries will do more, and those army/navy surplus blankets will do a bit more than most tapestries. But, it can take a lot of bulky blankets to block out a lot of noise. Those blankets aren't very visually appealing, so put the blankets up, then a tapestry, if you can afford them. If not - well - you'll have to make do with what you can afford.

Put your source of white noise between you and the wall through which the most noise comes into the room. Probably the doorway, but maybe not.