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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.

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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.

How to use sound for tinnitus: volume, timing and which sound to chooseA step-by-step guide to tinnitus sound masking: how loud, how long, which sound for which kind of ringing, common mistakes and when to see a doctor.

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

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.

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