Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Or maybe you’re trying to focus on work but can’t seem to block out all of the distracting background noise? You may have heard of different types of noise that can help with relaxation and concentration – let’s learn more about them.
Certain colors of noise have unique strengths and emphases on the different frequencies of sound. Because of this, each color of noise sounds different to the human ear. Three popular options are white noise, pink noise, and brown noise. But what are they, and how do they differ from one another?
Let’s start with white noise, which is probably the most well-known of the three. White noise is a constant and consistent sound that covers a wide range of frequencies (pitches) of sound. It’s often compared to the sound of a fan or the static of a TV. White noise has been shown to mask out other noises and create a calm, soothing background that can help you relax or concentrate.
Pink noise is white noise, with a decrease in strength in the high frequencies. As mentioned above, white noise is constant and consistent, with equal power throughout all the frequencies. Pink noise has less power as the frequency increases. This means that pink noise has more power in the lower frequencies, which makes it sound deeper and more soothing. It is often compared to the sound of falling rain or a gentle waterfall.
We also have brown noise. Brown noise is even deeper and richer than pink noise. Brown noise has even more power in the low frequencies than both white and pink noise, which gives it a deep rumbling quality. Think of the sound of a distant thunder, or a low-frequency hum (like a refrigerator). Brown noise can help to promote relaxation by creating a deep sense of calm.
So, which type of noise is best for you?
The color of noise that’s best for you will depend on what you’re trying to use it for, and your own personal sound preferences. White noise is a great starting option because it’s a consistent sound. Pink noise can be a good option for those that find white noise to be too high-pitched or irritating, and brown noise is more well-suited for those looking for a deeper sound.
References
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101385
White, Brown and Pink Noise For Sleep: What's The Difference? (today.com)
White, Pink, and Brown Noise: What’s the difference? – Sound of Sleep
