Sure, you can always put on a set of headphones and turn the music all the way up. But if you are like me, you can’t really concentrate on your work with loud music playing, and soft music doesn’t drown anybody out.

Noise Canceling Headphones

Sure, you can always check out a pair of expensive noise canceling headphones. They work well, but they aren’t cheap. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like having a giant pair of headphones on—especially if I’m somewhere else other than my desk.

Sony MDR-NC60 Noise Canceling Headphone

The solution: White Noise!

The best way to drown somebody out without breaking your eardrums or losing your concentration is to use some white noise. Personally, I’m a fan of the SimplyNoise generator—specifically the brown/red noise with an oscillating volume level. It ends up sounding very similar to waves at the ocean, which would also probably work well for drowning somebody out.

Use the SimplyNoise white noise generator

Add Something Pleasant to the Background

So now you’ve got your white noise going, and your co-worker’s annoying mouth is just a distant memory—but it’s just a little boring. You can use the Zendesk buddha machine wall to add some pleasant Zen sounds that will help get you in the concentrating mood. Just click on any of the speakers, and then choose a sound. You can combine multiple sounds together for a very soothing experience.

 

Use the FM3 Buddha Machine Wall

…Or Just Listen to Music

You can just combine the white noise generator with some fairly mellow, appropriate music.

The white noise fills in the quiet spots in the song, so you won’t have to hear anybody.

So how do you drown out those annoying co-workers?