Discover: What Is White Noise, and How Can It Help You?

What Is White Noise, and How Can It Help You? 

You may have heard about white noise, but do you know how it works? It’s most commonly used to mask bothersome background noise or soothe babies for sleep. White noise has a wide variety of uses beyond relaxation and promoting healthy sleep. It’s also used by hearing care professionals to alleviate the symptoms of certain conditions like tinnitus. To understand how white noise can benefit you specifically, it would be helpful first to understand what it is.  

Below, the hearing experts at AudioNova provide an overview of white noise, how it works, and its applicable uses. Our hearing doctors and specialists are happy to answer any questions you have or provide further information about achieving excellent hearing health. Reach out to our clinical teams today to learn more.  

An Overview of White Noise   

White noise is unique in that it spans all audible frequencies, similar to white light, the entire visible spectrum of light. However, white noise differs because it can drown out other frequencies. White noise has a monotonous sound similar to the whirling of a fan, an air conditioner's buzzing, or a radio's soft static. Everyone experiences white noise differently. Some people find it enhances their focus, while others might find it distracting. Understanding white noise starts with understanding sound waves.

Soundwaves contain two core elements:  

• Frequency: This is how fast the waveform vibrates per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). Human beings can typically hear frequencies in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. 

• Amplitude: This measures the loudness of a sound in Decibels (Db). Sounds higher than 70 Db are considered harmful to humans. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 Db can cause permanent hearing loss.  

How Does White Noise Work? 

Several theories and explanations surround the phenomenon of white noise. One theory concludes that our ears are much less sensitive to sound in loud environments. White noise raises the sound threshold, making bothersome or disrupting noise no longer audible.  

Another explanation is that white noise manifests consistently, giving your brain something to focus on without overwhelming it. Finally, there's some evidence that white noise can be calming by easing anxiety symptoms and helping people calm down their overactive brains.  

Using White Noise to Relax 

Having a completely silent bedroom is impossible. There will always be noises in the background, whether your refrigerator is humming or you can hear a train whistling in the distance. Your hearing doesn’t stop while you’re asleep. White noise can be an effective tool before falling asleep and throughout sleep to give your brain something to focus on and keep calm and rested.

In addition to promoting healthy sleep, white noise can:  

• Reduce stress 

• Soothe headaches and migraines  

• Increase your focus 

• Mask the sounds of tinnitus  

• Be used during hypnosis  

If you use a white noise machine, it's essential to be mindful of the volume. Keep them far from children and below 80 Db to prevent permanent hearing loss.  

The Spectrum of Sound  

As you might expect, white noise is part of an entire spectrum of sound, including pink, brown, blue, violet, gray, and black, which is complete silence. Warm colors like pink and brown are assigned to low frequencies, and colder colors like violet and blue are assigned to high frequencies. White occurs when all frequencies are present equally.   

How Noise Can Negatively Impact Sleep 

Losing sleep due to bothersome noise can have adverse mental and physical effects over time. Prolonged exposure to too much noise during sleep can cause various health conditions, including:  

• Weight gain 

• Mood fluctuations  

• High blood pressure 

• Type 2 diabetes 

• Development of sleep disorders 

• Less energy throughout the day 

• Increased use of sleep medicines 

• Decreased overall physical, mental, and emotional health 

Keep the Noise Down for Good Hearing Health 

At AudioNova, we understand the importance of getting a good night’s rest for good hearing health. Whether you live on a busy street or your neighbor’s dog is barking, we’re here to help with effective solutions for all types of hearing concerns. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a one-on-one consultation with a provider at a hearing clinic. We look forward to hearing from you.