White noise

White noise is a physical phenomenon. It describes noise with a constant power density spectrum that contains all frequencies in the audible range.

Or, to put it simply: white noise is a sound that evenly covers all audible frequency ranges. It sounds similar to the humming or crackling 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 intinnitus therapy, and what color noise is all about.

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 noises ornoiseare no longer perceived as unpleasant or loud. 

For this reason, white noise is now used for a wide variety of purposes, such as treating tinnitus, helping people, especially babies and children, fall asleep, or as a relaxation technique.

White noise for relaxation

We all know the calming effect of the sound of the sea or the wind rustling through the trees. White noise works in a very similar way. Thanks to its continuous, constant background noise, it ensures that we are less aware of other noises. As a result, it has a relaxing effect that can reduce everyday stress and calm us down.

White noise to help you fall asleep

White noise has gained importance primarily in connection with the treatment of insomnia and as an aid to falling asleep.

People who are light sleepers are often woken up by random noises at night: a dog barking, a car driving by, their partner coughing. White noise while sleeping can mask these disruptive noises. This creates a consistent soundscape that reduces interruptions during sleep and thus improves sleep quality. Those affected sleep through the night more often.

White noise for babies and children

Newborns, babies, and toddlers in particular often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. White noise can also be used here to mask disturbing noises and give little ones a feeling of security. Babies in particular can be calmed by white noise while sleeping, as it reminds them of the sounds in their mother's womb and drowns out the noises in their surroundings.

White noise in tinnitus

White noise can mask disturbing noises. This has the effect of making them seem less loud and less stressful. White noise is therefore often used in the treatment of ear noises or tinnitus, for example as part of tinnitus retraining therapy.

Among other things, this therapy uses sound masking, i.e., masking the disturbing noises, for example with the help of so-called maskers or noisers, to provide relief for those affected.

Tinnitus maskers or noisers are special devices that resemble hearing aids. However, they are not designed to amplify sounds, but rather to suppress disturbing noises. There are also hearing aids that have a special white noise function, as tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together.

The different colors of noise

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

Brown noise

Like white noise, brown noise is also noise with a constant power density spectrum, i.e., 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 muffled sound. The noise becomes quieter as the frequency increases. It is said to have a calming effect and can make it easier to fall asleep thanks to its even sound structure.

Violet noise

With purple noise, the power density increases with increasing frequency, meaning that the volume rises with higher frequency ranges. It is primarily used in tinnitus treatment to mask certain sounds.

Blue noise

With blue noise, higher frequencies are emphasized 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 increase concentration.

Black noise

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

How can you hear white noise?

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

Noiser/masker:Tinnitus noisers or maskers aremedical devices. They look like hearing aids and are usually worn either in or behind the ear.

Hearing aids: Somehearing aids have built-in tinnitus noisers or maskers. These generate white noise to mask the sounds in your ears.

Sound generators: Thereare a number of different sound generators available. These portable devices, which look like a speaker, generate white noise, for example as a sleep aid or for tinnitus and noise therapy.

Apps: Thereare already various apps available for people with hearing loss, including several white noise apps. You can find more information about these in the respective app store.

Radio stations:There are even radio stations that specialize in white noise and nature sounds such as ocean waves, rain, etc. You can find more white noise offerings on the major music streaming services.