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Some people with tinnitus find brown noise a comfortable background, because it is deep and has little energy near a high-pitched ringing. Research does not establish that brown noise, or any one sound, is more effective than another, and relief is not guaranteed. Have tinnitus medically assessed, and keep any sound at a comfortable volume.
Why people try brown noise
Hush offers selected background sounds that may help make tinnitus less noticeable and ease the attention and distress associated with it for some people. External sounds, including broadband noise, may provide temporary relief by partially masking tinnitus, supporting relaxation or helping you become less aware of it over time (habituation).
Brown noise appeals because it has no sharp top end. For someone already hearing a high ringing, a bright hiss can feel like more of the same, while a deep rumble feels separate from it.
What the evidence says
Evidence for tinnitus sound therapy is limited and outcomes vary. Research does not establish that one sound, such as white, pink or brown noise, is universally more effective than another. Hush provides different sounds so you can choose what feels comfortable and helpful. Research on sound therapy generally does not establish the effectiveness of Hush or its pitch-matching and notch features.
Brown noise and the pitch you hear
Brown noise has very little energy at high pitches. Relative to its overall level, Deep brown measures −14.5 dB at 2 kHz and −21.2 dB at 8 kHz, while White static measures −3.5 dB at 8 kHz. So brown noise sits well away from a high-pitched ringing rather than over it.
Some people prefer that: a background that does not compete with the ringing. Others prefer a sound with energy near the pitch they hear. Matching your pitch in Hush finds sounds near a pitch you choose, as a listening preference rather than a hearing test.
Band by band, in numbers
| Band | Deep brown | White static | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kHz | −14.5 dB | −7.8 dB | +6.7 dB |
| 2.5 kHz | −15.7 dB | −7.2 dB | +8.5 dB |
| 3 kHz | −16.7 dB | −6.6 dB | +10.1 dB |
| 4 kHz | −18.1 dB | −5.7 dB | +12.4 dB |
| 5 kHz | −19.2 dB | −4.8 dB | +14.4 dB |
| 6 kHz | −20.0 dB | −4.2 dB | +15.8 dB |
| 8 kHz | −21.2 dB | −3.5 dB | +17.7 dB |
| 10 kHz | −22.4 dB | −3.8 dB | +18.6 dB |
| 12 kHz | −23.5 dB | −4.6 dB | +18.9 dB |
Brown, pink or white noise for tinnitus
How the three main colours compare for someone with high-pitched ringing, measured in Hush at 8 kHz relative to each sound's overall level:
| Sound | How it sounds | Level at 8 kHz | Free in Hush |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown noise | Deep and soft, far from a high ringing | Deep brown, −21.2 dB | Yes |
| Pink noise | Even and full, some energy near a high ringing | Velvet noise, −8.4 dB | Yes |
| White noise | Bright, with the most energy at high pitches | White static, −3.5 dB | Yes |
| Rain | Soft and always moving | Soft rain, −11.3 dB | Yes |
Have tinnitus medically assessed
Tinnitus can have different underlying causes, including conditions that can be treated. Consult a general physician and/or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist for assessment and diagnosis before assuming it is permanent or incurable, or related to sensorineural hearing loss. Hush cannot determine the cause of tinnitus and is not a substitute for medical advice or care.
When to seek urgent care
Seek immediate medical care for tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, facial weakness or severe vertigo, or following a head injury. Arrange an urgent medical assessment if tinnitus beats in time with your pulse. Do not delay assessment while trying background sounds.
How to try it
If you want to try brown noise:
- Keep the volume comfortable, below the level that feels loud. Stop if the sound causes discomfort or your symptoms get worse.
- Try it in quiet moments, such as at bedtime, when ringing is often most noticeable.
- Give it several days, and compare it with a brighter sound such as pink noise or rain.
- Keep whichever you find most comfortable, and change it whenever you like.
