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Brown noise

Brown noise is a deep, steady sound, like a low rumble. Many people find it the most soothing of the three noise colors for tinnitus masking and sleep. Try it at a low volume and keep it if it feels comfortable.

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Press play on each color and switch between them. Every sample is generated live in your browser and lasts 30 seconds; the full sessions are on YouTube.

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Start with the volume low. For tinnitus, set it at or just below the level of your ringing. This is not a hearing test or a diagnosis.

What is brown noise?

Brown noise (also called red or Brownian noise, after the random "Brownian motion" it is modeled on) is a random sound whose energy drops as the pitch rises, about 6 decibels less for every octave up. The result is deep and rumbling, closer to distant thunder, heavy rain or a strong waterfall than to radio static.

By comparison, white noise has the same energy at every frequency and sounds bright, like a hiss. Pink noise sits in between, dropping about 3 decibels per octave.

Brown noise for tinnitus

Many people with tinnitus prefer brown noise because it feels warm rather than sharp. Keep in mind that masking tends to work best when the sound overlaps the pitch of your tinnitus. If your ringing is very high-pitched, a deep sound like brown noise may soften it less than pink or white noise, or a bright natural sound such as a waterfall. Comfort matters most: the sound you are happy to leave on is the one that helps.

Brown noise for sleep and focus

Brown noise is popular for sleep and concentration because it covers traffic, voices and household noise without the hiss of white noise. Research on brown noise specifically is limited; most of what we know comes from studies of steady background sound in general and from listeners' own experience. Use it as a tool for comfort, not as a treatment.

Listening safely

Common questions

Is brown noise better than pink or white noise?

There is no single best. Brown noise is the deepest and softest of the three, closer to a low rumble. Pink noise is balanced and white noise is brighter. Try each at a low volume and keep the one that feels most comfortable.

Can I sleep with brown noise playing all night?

Many people do. Use a low volume, and a speaker instead of earbuds if you can.

Does brown noise help with tinnitus?

It can make tinnitus less noticeable, which is what sound masking does. It does not cure tinnitus. Brown noise suits people who find brighter noise harsh; if your tinnitus is very high-pitched, pink or white noise may blend with it better.

Is brown noise the same as red noise?

Yes. Brown, red and Brownian noise are names for the same kind of sound, with energy that drops about 6 decibels per octave.

How loud should brown noise be?

Low. Set it at or just below the level of your tinnitus, or just loud enough to cover background noise. You should still be able to hear a conversation over it.

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