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Different Types of Noise and Their Effects on Cognitive Performance

Studying in a noisy environment can significantly impair creativity, working memory, and overall cognitive performance. But what about noise that we voluntarily choose to surround ourselves with? At this very moment, countless students are listening to ambient noise, believing its steady, monotonous hum can enhance focus and cognition. Are they right? Can white, brown, or pink noise boost memory and creativity, leading to extraordinary results? Let’s dive into the topic and find out!

Noise Effect on Concentration

You don’t need an advanced academic background or extensive scientific research to recognize that a noisy environment is generally detrimental to cognitive performance. Background noises—such as distinct chatter, ringing phones, or the hum of electronic devices—affect mood, concentration, and ultimately, productivity. But to what extent do these distractions impact focus? That depends on several factors, including your personality, the type of noise, and the nature of the task you’re working on.

It’s also worth noting that children, whose ability to focus is naturally lower than that of adults, are particularly susceptible to auditory distractions. However, research suggests that both children and adults are more disrupted by verbal noise (e.g., conversations) than by non-verbal sounds (Massonnié, 2023). Why is that? One explanation is the difference in decibel levels and sound content. As noted in How Noise Affects Concentration (2024), “You may be more distracted by office chatter than a humming printer because the conversations of your coworkers contain recognizable sounds that your brain brings to your attention.”

 

Ambient Noise — A Sudden Switch

Before diving into the impact of ambient noise on cognitive performance, let’s first clarify what it actually is. Simply put, ambient noise refers to background sounds that you perceive without actively focusing on them—distant chatter on the street, raindrops tapping against a window, or the hum of a coffee machine in your favourite café.

While general ambient noise can have benefits, the type specifically used for enhancing focus is typically a controlled mix of frequencies designed to be soothing rather than distracting. This steady, monotonous noise acts as a buffer, helping to mask unpredictable external sounds and reduce disruptions.

 

Different Types of Ambient Noise — White, Brown, and Pink Noise Explained

When you think of ambient noise, white noise is probably the first that comes to mind. However, it’s not the only type of sound considered to have a beneficial impact on the brain activity. You may also come across playlists labelled as blue, red, or green noise on streaming platforms, but there is little or no scientific research to support their effects. Generally, ambient noise is categorized into three main types: white, pink, and brown.

According to Regis University Magazine (2023), “White noise includes all frequencies that humans can hear on the same level.” Most studies examining the effects of ambient noise on cognitive performance have focused on white noise. However, it is often considered the least pleasant of the three, as higher frequencies are naturally perceived as louder (Regis University Magazine, 2023). To counterbalance this, pink and brown noise amplify lower frequencies, creating a deeper and potentially more soothing sound. Brown noise, in particular, consists of the lowest, most profound tones.

 

Does Ambient Noise Actually Work?

While research on ambient noise—particularly white noise—has grown, neuroscientists remain divided on its effects on cognitive performance. In some cases, it provides a slight improvement, while in others, it becomes more of a distraction. The impact depends on several factors, including:

  • The nature of the task being performed
  • The individual’s neurological profile
  • The volume of the noise

 

A 2022 study, Cognitive Performance, Creativity, and Stress Levels of Neurotypical Young Adults Under Different White Noise Levels, found that low volumes of white noise (45 dB) can slightly enhance focus. However, moderate volumes (65 dB) may actually increase stress levels, ultimately leading to a decline in concentration (Young, 2022). Another study, Is Noise Always Bad? Exploring the Effects of Ambient Noise on Creative Cognition, suggests that while moderate noise levels can reduce concentration, they may simultaneously enhance creativity (Mehta et al., 2012).

Despite ongoing research, scientists remain uncertain about the exact effects of ambient noise on cognitive function. The data collected during the numerous research suggests that even if there’s an impact, improvements are small. 

 

Ambient Noise vs. ADHD

As mentioned earlier, the neurological profile of the individual plays a significant role in the effects of ambient noise. White noise, which triggers brain responses similar to dopamine release, may help improve focus in individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—a condition often linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine (Dimitriu, 2023). In reality, there is no, or little impact on the individuals (most research has been conducted on children) with ADHD. 

A study titled Sensory White Noise in Clinical ADHD: Who Benefits from Noise, and Who Performs Worse? found that the effects of noise varied within different subgroups of children with ADHD. Children with more inattentive traits responded positively to noise exposure, while those with more hyperactive or impulsive traits performed worse under the same conditions (Söderlund et al., 2024).

 

White Noise — To Use or Not to Use?

So far, the answer seems to be “it depends”. If you struggle with concentration due to external distractions, experimenting with different types of ambient noise at a moderate volume could be worth trying. However, if you’re easily overwhelmed or sensitive to auditory stimuli, adding extra noise might not be the best choice.

For educators, applying background noise in classrooms may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. As the research mentioned earlier shows, even children with the same learning disorder can respond differently to the same stimuli. Not to mention the neurotypical students, who can perceive the sound as an additional distraction. 

 

Practical Tips for Using Ambient Noise Effectively

If you decide to incorporate ambient noise into your study or work routine, here are some tips to maximize its benefits:

  • Start with a Low Volume: Excessive noise levels can become counterproductive. Keeping the volume at around 45-50 dB may help improve focus without causing stress.
  • Choose the Right Type of Noise: If white noise feels too harsh, try pink or brown noise, which emphasize lower frequencies and may be more pleasant to listen to.
  • Observe and Adjust: Everyone reacts differently to noise. Try different types, volumes, and durations of exposure to see what works best for you.
 

Don’t Be Afraid of Experiments

The effects of ambient noise on cognitive performance are highly individual and context-dependent. While some people find it beneficial for concentration and creativity, others may experience it as a distraction. Scientific studies show mixed results, indicating that while moderate levels of white noise can improve certain cognitive functions, high volumes tend to be detrimental.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and find out what works best for your unique cognitive profile. Whether it’s white noise, pink noise, brown noise, or complete silence, the key is to create an environment that optimizes your productivity and mental well-being.

 

Sources:

  1. Mehta, R., Zhu, R., & Cheema, A. (2012, December). Is noise always bad? Exploring the effects of ambient noise on creative cognition. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(4), 784–799. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/665048?seq=1 
  2. Massonnié, J. (2023, March 14). Studying with background noise: Is it always bad? BOLD. https://boldscience.org/studying-with-background-noise-is-it-always-bad/ 
  3. How noise affects concentration. (2024, November 20). Illuminated Integration. https://illuminated-integration.com/blog/how-noise-affects-concentration/ 
  4. Young, E. (2022, September 23). Can listening to white noise help you focus? BPS. https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/can-listening-white-noise-help-you-focus 
  5. Sound and Color | Regis University Magazine. (2023, May 26). Regis University. https://www.regis.edu/news/2023/magazine/05/sound-and-color 
  6. Will, M. (2023, November 7). White, brown, pink: What different colors of noise mean and how they can help learning. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/brown-white-pink-what-different-colors-of-noise-mean-and-how-they-can-help-learning/2023/11 
  7. Söderlund, G. B. W., Hadjikhani, N., Thorsson, M., E-Said, S., Claesdotter-Knutsson, E., Gustafsson, P., & Johnels, J. Å. (2024). Sensory white noise in clinical ADHD: Who benefits from noise, and who performs worse? Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, 12(1), 92–99. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386082383_Sensory_white_noise_in_clinical_ADHD_Who_benefits_from_noise_and_who_performs_worse 
  8. Jostrup, E., Claesdotter-Knutsson, E., Tallberg, P., Söderlund, G., Gustafsson, P., & Nyström, M. (2024, November). No Effects of Auditory and Visual White Noise on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383912750_No_Effects_of_Auditory_and_Visual_White_Noise_on_Oculomotor_Control_in_Children_with_ADHD
  9. Dimitriu, A., MD. (2023, May 25). Broadband background noise can have a positive effect on a disordered brain. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-and-sleep/202305/adhd-white-noise-could-be-an-alternative-to-medication