What is white noise?

What exactly is white noise?

At its simplest, white noise is a sound containing all audible frequencies — from the lowest bass to the highest treble — played at equal intensity. Think of it like white light, which contains every colour of the spectrum. In sound form, that’s a smooth, even “shhh” without peaks or dips. In theory, true white noise spans infinite frequencies, but in reality devices create it only within the range our ears can hear (roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz). Fans, radios tuned between stations, and dedicated machines all produce a version of it.

White noise and its colourful cousins

White noise isn’t the only broad-spectrum sound out there. Different “colours” shift the balance of high and low tones:

Some people find these warmer or softer than pure white noise, especially for relaxation. The principle stays the same: a steady sound to mask the world’s interruptions.

How white noise is used — and when it works best

Sleep

White noise can help you fall asleep faster by covering unpredictable sounds — traffic, voices, a partner’s snoring. In noisy environments, studies show it can shorten the time it takes to drift off and reduce awakenings. But it’s not magic. In quiet bedrooms, adding noise can sometimes disturb sleep. Experts recommend low volume, and using it only when needed, not all night by default.

Babies and children

For newborns, white noise can mimic the womb — constant whooshing sounds they knew before birth. It can soothe crying and help them settle. The key is safe use: keep the device across the room, at the lowest effective volume (quiet enough to speak over), and avoid running it loudly all night. Soft, brief use can be a lifesaver for both baby and parent.

Concentration and focus

In busy offices or noisy homes, white noise can create a “sound blanket” that masks distracting speech or sudden noises. It’s especially helpful for people with ADHD, where gentle noise can improve focus. But in already quiet settings, it might be more distracting than helpful — so it’s worth testing.

Tinnitus relief

For those with constant ringing in the ears, white noise can mask the sound and make it less intrusive, especially at night. It won’t cure tinnitus, but it can make it easier to sleep or concentrate. Audiologists often recommend low-level sound that blends with, but doesn’t overpower, the tinnitus.

Privacy and sound masking

In offices, clinics, and therapy spaces, white noise can make conversations harder to overhear. A gentle background hiss raises the “noise floor,” so speech blends in and becomes less clear at a distance. When set correctly, you don’t notice the hum — you just notice it’s harder to eavesdrop.

Pros and cons of white noise

White noise is simple to try — but like any tool, it works best when you understand its strengths and limits.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide if it fits your needs.

How to use this:

If you recognise yourself in the “benefits” column, white noise is worth exploring. Just remember the “drawbacks” are not deal-breakers — they’re reminders to use it thoughtfully: keep the volume low, match it to your situation, and give yourself quiet breaks when you can.

Conclusion: What is white noise?

White noise is a simple idea with wide-reaching uses. For some, it’s the missing piece for restful sleep, focused work, or peace in a noisy world. For others, it’s unnecessary — or even disruptive.
The key is to match the sound to your needs, keep the volume low, and use it in situations where it truly helps. That way, it remains a calming backdrop, not another source of noise.