Did you know that noise can be associated with colour? It goes unnoticed by many that there is an entire spectrum of sound available to the human ear. Coloured noise is ambient sound and is commonly used to drown out any other noise.
It is claimed to promote relaxation, aid in sleep, and facilitate concentration. But does coloured noise only bring positive aspects, or does it have its drawbacks that no one mentions? To find out, this article will be unveiling surprising revelations about the interplay of colour and noise.
The emergence of coloured noise is rooted all the way back to 1827, when botanist Robert Brown discovered the eponymously named ‘Brown Noise’ which is derived from the scientific theory of ‘Brownian Motion’. Afterwards coloured noise became adopted by the music/sound industry, white noise machines (devices which played monotonous sounds of rain, waterfalls or static) were manufactured in the 1960s, and the market for them expanded tremendously in the 2000s. Nowadays, you can effortlessly access playlists with tracks of any of the various colours of noise or download apps specifically created for this purpose.
Although there isn’t an immense amount of research on coloured noise, and some consider it an under-examined subject, there are three main ‘colours’ of noise.
Brown noise. White noise. Pink noise. What is the difference between these?
In essence, brown noise (alternatively called red noise) sounds more ‘deep’ and ‘grainy’ as opposed to the others. It produces a ‘rumbling’ sound which is often associated with heavy rainfall or pressured showers. Studies have shown that this lower frequency of noise can enhance sleep and mask any background noise that could potentially disrupt it. It also, supposedly, improves concentration by sharpening the brain’s filtering mechanism and tamping down distractions. Brown noise is distinctly useful for individuals with ADHD by minimising auditory distractions and quieting thoughts; hence why it can also be used for relaxation and reflection.
On the other hand, white noise contains high, low and mid-range frequencies which are heard coequally. It can be described as ‘high-pitched’ and ‘intense’, imitating the sound of an air conditioner or fan. Yet, it is proven to have numerous benefits, such as reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation, which in turn can be valuable to your overall wellbeing. Additionally, it has similar advantages to brown noise such as improved sleep, work performance and lowering ADHD symptoms.
Pink noise is described as ‘gentler’ and ‘more soothing’, by possessing a lower frequency than white noise but a higher one than brown noise, which provides an ideal balance. Research on pink noise is limited, however studies have shown that its effects can lead to deeper and more stable sleep, and adults that utilised it at night excelled in memory tests the following day.
Despite its numerous benefits, could coloured noise pose potential harm? Indeed, there is a scarcity of research on coloured noise, and as we explore this topic further, the existence of many potential drawbacks remains uncertain. Nonetheless, a review derived from a major medical journal raised concerns over the impact of listening to coloured noise. It suggests that such exposure may lead to the overstimulation of the auditory system, exacerbate tinnitus (‘ringing’ sound in your ears), and potentially harm cognition.
Considering this uncertainty, some might opt for alternatives like classical music or just staying clear from coloured noise altogether. However, scientists generally do not view coloured noise as significantly detrimental. It is considered relatively safe when the volume is kept at 50 decibels or below, with minimal impact on hearing.
I would suggest trying out coloured noise in different aspects of your life, adjusting it to your preferred colour and volume. Who knows? It might turn out to be the perfect fit for you.