White noise
White noise covers every frequency at the same level, which makes it very effective at masking sudden sounds and tinnitus. Some people find it brighter than brown or pink noise. Try it at a low volume and keep it if it feels comfortable.
Most-watched videos
Powerful Waterfall Sounds for Tinnitus Relief | Natural White Noise to Sleep & Relax
Tinnitus Masking with River and Hummingbirds | Natural Sound Relief for Tinnitus
Rain Sound for Tinnitus Masking | Deep Relaxation and Auditory Relief
Ocean Waves sounds that Soothe Tinnitus | Binaural Coastal Sound Therapy
Tinnitus Masking Sound | Flowing Water & Birds Singing for Relief and Calm
Falls Sound Therapy for Tinnitus Relief | Natural White Noise for Sleep, Focus & Relaxation
Fire Crackling for Tinnitus Relief – Brown Noise Bonfire at Night
White Noise with Soothing Rain for Tinnitus Relief – Calm Your Mind & Sleep Better
White Noise Black Screen – 8 Hours | Tinnitus Relief & Deep Sleep
Tinnitus Sound Therapy | Brown Noise for Sleep · 8 Hours Black Screen
Soft Rain Brown Noise | Deep Sleep, Tinnitus Relief & Nervous System Calm
Brown Noise for Tinnitus Relief | Deep Sound Therapy to Calm, Focus & Sleep Better
Shorts
0:31Tinnitus Relief with Rain Sounds | Mask the Ringing and Relax
0:58Stop the Ringing: Pink Noise for Tinnitus Relief
0:14Waterfall Brown Noise for Tinnitus Relief
1:10Brown Noise for Tinnitus Relief | Sleep & Focus Better
0:41Natural White Noise Waterfall Sound for Tinnitus Relief
1:02This is what I recorded for my tinnitus | Real ocean waves from Chile
Listen to the difference
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.
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.
Your browser cannot play generated sound. You can listen to the full sessions on YouTube.
That was a short sample. The full session is on YouTube:
What is white noise?
White noise is a random sound with the same energy at every frequency, the way white light contains every color. It sounds like a steady hiss: a detuned radio, a fan or air rushing through a vent. Because it spreads across the whole range of hearing, it is very good at covering sudden noises such as doors, traffic or a partner's snoring.
White noise for tinnitus
Tinnitus is often high-pitched, and white noise carries plenty of high-frequency energy, so it can blend with the ringing more easily than deeper sounds. The trade-off is that some people find it harsh over long periods. If plain white noise feels too bright, try a natural version (waterfalls, heavy rain and rushing rivers are close to white noise but softer) or move to pink or brown noise.
Tips for using white noise
- Start at a low volume, at or just below the level of your tinnitus.
- Natural white noise, like a waterfall or rain, can be easier to listen to for hours than synthetic hiss.
- For sleep, a speaker is gentler than earbuds. Set a timer if you like.
- The 8-hour black screen videos keep the screen dark so they do not disturb your sleep.
A note on expectations
White noise can make tinnitus less noticeable, but it does not cure it. If tinnitus starts suddenly, affects one ear, pulses with your heartbeat or comes with hearing loss or dizziness, see a doctor.
Common questions
Is white noise better than brown or pink noise?
There is no single best. White noise covers every frequency evenly, which makes it very effective at masking sudden sounds, but some people find it brighter than brown or pink noise. Try each at a low volume and keep the one that feels most comfortable.
Can I sleep with white noise playing all night?
Many people do. Use a low volume, and a speaker instead of earbuds if you can.
Does white noise help with tinnitus?
It can make tinnitus less noticeable, especially high-pitched ringing, because white noise has a lot of high-frequency energy. It does not cure tinnitus.
Why does white noise sound harsh to me?
White noise has more high-frequency energy than brown or pink noise, so it can feel bright or sharp. Lower the volume, try natural white noise such as a waterfall, or switch to pink or brown noise.
What is natural white noise?
Sounds from nature that are close to white noise, such as waterfalls, heavy rain or fast rivers. They cover a wide range of frequencies like white noise but usually feel softer.