I keep mine on mainly for the noise too... Then stop and listen if something that requires my attention. Also, the noise of the tv helps mask the noise my neighbor makes working outside (mowing, splitting wood, etc). The neighbor's noise makes my dogs go nuts. They think: "Intruder Alert! Gotta bark -- LOUD and LOTS! Since several of them will go straight to the fence and bark at him incessantly, I have to bring them all inside when he is working.