Some people look at television snow and see immanent alien invasion.

Certainly people like to make noise, but people also like to meditate - not in any religious sense, but in a calming sense. I read a lot in mall coffee shops. I can zone out quite well sometimes - unless there is screeching or babies crying - with the general background noise.

I can produce a similar effect by swimming long distances - the effect becomes noticeable going into the 10th or 12th lap and will last for as long as I'm in the pool (sometimes 1 - 2 Km).

I suspect it's similar to the feeling that glassolalliasts and others experience at church.