Do white noise machines buffer noises from other loud neighbors in my dorm?

Question

THe neighbors are extremely loud. Will a white noise machine make a strong difference?

Answer 1

Yes as the ear has an automatic level control. So the white noise establishes a level near the environmental noise.

Answer 2

The noises will be almost as loud, but you will be able to tune them out more easily because your ears will be desensitized by white noise.

There are options, like heavy wall covering carpets and noise barriers, or put on hi-fi earphones.

However, with earphones your ears will become more sensitive. You will still have volume reduction, but when you take off the earphones, you will really notice those sounds.

Answer 3

White noise works fairly well, but I'd recommend using noise cancelling headphones instead. They are more easily available than white noise machines, also block the sound physically (since they cover your ears) and you can use them to listen to something you like while they are blocking outside noise.

I've used noise cancelling earphones at the office and they work well.