White noise

White noise, also known as "white noise" is a physical phenomenon. It describes a 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 covers all audible frequency ranges evenly. It sounds something like the humming or hissing 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 meaning of white noise, what function and effect it has, how it contributes to tinnitus-therapy and what else color noise is all about.

Functions and effect of white noise

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

For this reason, white noise is used today for a wide variety of purposes, for example in the treatment of tinnitus, to help people, especially babies and children, to 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 sound of wind in the trees. White noise works in a very similar way. Thanks to the continuous, constant background noise, it ensures that we perceive noise less. As a result, it has a relaxing effect that can reduce stress in everyday life and calm us down.

White noise to fall asleep to

White noise has become particularly important in the treatment of insomnia and in helping people to fall asleep.

People who are light sleepers in particular are often woken up by random noises at night: a dog barking, a car driving past, a partner coughing. White noise during sleep can mask these disturbing noises. This creates an even soundscape that ensures fewer interruptions to sleep and therefore better sleep quality. Those affected sleep through the night more often.

White noise for baby and child

Newborns, babies and toddlers in particular often have problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night. White noise can also be used here to mask disturbing noises and give the little ones a feeling of security. Babies in particular are said to be soothed to sleep by white noise, as it reminds them of the sounds in their mother's womb and drowns out the noises around them.

White noise with tinnitus

White noise can mask disturbing noises. This has the effect that they are perceived as less loud and annoying. White noise is therefore often used in the treatment of ringing in the ears or tinnitus, for example as part of tinnitus retraining therapy.

Among other things, this therapy uses sound masking, i.e. the masking of 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 to suppress background noise. There are also hearing aids that have a special function for white noise, as tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together.

The different colors of noise

White noise is probably the best known noise, but there are several 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 a noise with a constant power density spectrum, i.e. uniform noise, but with 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 pink noise or 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 its even sound structure can make it easier to fall asleep.

Purple noise:

With violet noise, the power density increases with increasing frequency, i.e. the volume increases with higher frequency ranges. It is preferably 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 application, there are various ways of generating or playing back 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 integrated tinnitus noisers or maskers. These generate white noise to attenuate the ringing in the ears.

Sound generators: There are a number of different sound generators. These portable devices, which look like a loudspeaker box, produce white noise, for example as a sleep aid or for tinnitus and noise therapy.

Apps: There are already various apps for the hearing impaired, including some white noise apps. You can find more information in the respective app store.

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