White noise

White noise is a physical phenomenon. It describes a noise with a constant power spectral density that encompasses all frequencies within the audible range.

Or, to put it simply: white noise is a sound that evenly covers all audible frequency ranges. It sounds a bit like the humming or static of a radio or television when it cannot find a signal, or like the sound of wind or water.

Below you can read more about the significance of white noise, its function and effects, how it is used in tinnitus therapy, and what else there is to know about coloured noise.

Functions and effects of white noise

White noise can cause the brain to no longer perceive certain sounds, or to perceive them less intensely, with the result that disturbing sounds or noise are no longer perceived as being as unpleasant or loud.

For this reason, white noise is now used for a wide variety of purposes, for example in the treatment of tinnitus, to help people - especially babies and children - fall asleep, or as a relaxation technique.

White noise for relaxation

We are all familiar with the calming effect of the sound of the sea or the rustling of the wind in the trees. White noise works in much the same way. Thanks to the continuous, constant background noise, it ensures that we perceive noise less. Consequently, it has a relaxing effect that can reduce everyday stress and help us unwind.

White noise to help you fall asleep

White noise has gained particular significance in the context of treating insomnia and as a sleep aid.

People who are light sleepers in particular are often woken by random night-time noises: a dog barking, a car driving past, their partner’s cough. White noise whilst sleeping can mask these disruptive sounds. This creates a steady background sound that ensures fewer interruptions to sleep and thus better sleep quality. Those affected are more likely to sleep through the night.

White noise for babies and children

Newborns, babies and toddlers in particular often have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Here too, white noise can be used to mask disruptive noises and give little ones a sense of security. Babies in particular are said to be soothed by white noise whilst sleeping, as it reminds them of the sounds in their mother’s womb and drowns out ambient noises.

White noise for tinnitus

White noise can mask disruptive sounds. This has the effect of making them seem less loud and distressing. White noise is therefore frequently used in the treatment of ringing in the ears or tinnitus, for example as part of tinnitus retraining therapy.

This therapy utilises, amongst other things, sound masking - that is, the masking of disruptive noises, for example using so-called maskers or noisers - to provide relief for those affected.

Tinnitus maskers or noisers are specialised devices that resemble hearing aids. However, their purpose is not to amplify sounds, but to suppress distracting noises. There are also hearing aids that feature a specific function for white noise, as tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together.

The different colours of noise

White noise is probably the best-known type of noise, but there are various other ‘colours’ of noise, so to speak, variations of white noise. These are created by mixing different frequencies, sound different and each has different functions and applications. These include:

Brown noise

Like white noise, brown noise is a type of noise with a constant power spectral density, meaning uniform sounds, but at a lower frequency. It also has a calming effect on the body and mind, can mask background noise and improve sleep.

Pink noise

Pink noise, also known as 1/f noise, is a very soft noise with a muted sound. The noise becomes quieter as the frequency increases. It is said to have a calming effect and, thanks to its uniform sound structure, can make it easier to fall asleep.

Violet noise

With violet noise, the power density increases with rising frequency, meaning that the volume increases in higher frequency ranges. It is primarily used in tinnitus treatment to mask specific sounds.

Blue noise

With blue noise, higher frequencies are emphasised more strongly. As a result, this noise sounds brighter, which is why it is said to have an invigorating effect. It is also said to help improve concentration.

Black noise

Black noise is noise with a very low frequency range or very low noise level, which is barely perceptible to the human ear. So you don’t actually hear any noise.

How can you hear white noise?

Depending on the application, there are various ways to generate or play white noise. These include, for example:

Noisers/maskers: Tinnitus noisers or maskers are medical aids. They look like hearing aids and are usually worn either in or behind the ear.

Hearing aids: Some hearing aids have built-in tinnitus noisers or maskers. These generate white noise to mask the ringing in the ears.

Sound generators: There are a range of different sound generators. These portable devices, which look like a speaker, generate white noise, for example to help you fall asleep or for tinnitus and noise therapy.

Apps: There are already various apps available for people with hearing loss, including some white noise apps. You can find more information about these in the relevant app store.

Radio stations: In fact, there are even radio stations that specialise in ‘white noise’ and natural sounds such as the sound of the sea, waves or rain, etc. You can find further white noise options on the major, well-known music streaming services.