Tinnitus, also referred to as ringing in the ears, describes the perception of sound in the absence of any external noise. One potential tinnitus treatment is noise color therapy.

Noise “colors” match up with the colors of the rainbow. The color white is a uniform mixture of all possible light wave frequencies in the color spectrum, and white noise is a uniform mixture of all audible sound frequencies.

Just as it is possible to filter white light into different wavelengths of colored light, it is also possible to filter white noise into different frequencies, or “noise colors.”

This article describes noise colors and how they may help to ease tinnitus. It also explores what the research says regarding the best noise color for treating tinnitus. Finally, it considers some other noninvasive tinnitus treatments.

Very little research has looked at how colors of noise affect tinnitus.

A 2017 study testing the effects of different noise colors on tinnitus found that all the noise colors tested improved tinnitus, with no significant difference between the different colors.

In this study, one group of participants wore a sound generator that played either white, pink, or red noise, according to their preference. Another group wore a sound generator that played only white noise. All participants used the sound generator for a minimum of 8 hours per day and reported on their tinnitus at 3- and 6-month intervals.

Participants in both groups reported significant improvement in their tinnitus at 3 months and 6 months, with no additional improvements between the two time periods. There was no significant difference in tinnitus improvement between the two groups. This suggests that white, pink, and red noise were equally effective at treating tinnitus.

While no measurable differences in effect were found, two-thirds of participants reported a preference for white noise over pink or red noise.

Get involved

While many treatments have been developed for tinnitus, scientists still don’t fully understand why it happens. If you want to help researchers learn more about how different colors of sound may affect tinnitus, you can check out ClinicalTrials.gov to learn more about currently open studies and surveys.

There is no standard of measurement for certain noise colors. The following descriptions can give an idea of the different types:

  • White noise: White noise combines all audible sound frequencies, with each frequency being of equal intensity. This creates a steady hissing sound. An example of white noise is the static on a television screen or radio.
  • Pink noise: Pink noise is similar to white noise, but places more emphasis on the middle- and lower-range frequencies. Some people compare pink noise to the sound of a waterfall or the ocean.
  • Red noise: Red noise is more loosely defined, compared with white and pink noise. Some researchers define it as being similar to pink noise but with more emphasis on the lower-range frequencies. People sometimes compare red noise to the sound of rainfall.
  • Brown noise: Brown noise is another name for red noise.

Tinnitus retraining therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a tinnitus treatment that uses noise colors or other types of sound stimulation alongside cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus.

As part of TRT, you wear a small device called a sound generator, which emits a particular noise color. It works by decreasing the contrast between the sound and your tinnitus, so that your brain gradually habituates to (gets used to) the tinnitus. Over time, your tinnitus should become less perceptible, and have less effect on your daily functioning.

While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, several noninvasive treatments may help to manage your tinnitus and reduce its effect on your daily functioning. These include:

  • Hearing aids: Around 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids improve your ability to hear external sounds, offering relief from the internal sound of your tinnitus.
  • Behavioral therapies: These therapies focus on your emotional reaction to tinnitus. They are especially effective for treating tinnitus that interferes with your daily functioning. Examples include:
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps you identify negative thoughts and feelings associated with the tinnitus, as well as develop positive coping strategies to shift your attention away from the tinnitus.
    • Tinnitus activities treatment (TAT): TAT is a variation of CBT that helps you to manage the effect of your tinnitus on your:
      • thoughts and emotions
      • hearing and communication
      • concentration
      • sleep
    • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (M-BSR): This helps you develop a nonjudgemental awareness of your tinnitus so that you can accept, embrace, and manage the experience without the negative feelings that so often accompany tinnitus.
    • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that works similarly to M-BSR.
    • Progressive tinnitus management (PTM): PTM is a step-by-step approach to tinnitus treatment, which combines:
      • patient education
      • behavioral therapy
      • supplemental sound therapy, in some cases

Noise color therapy is a type of noninvasive tinnitus treatment that involves listening to an external sound of a particular frequency, or “color,” to help your brain get used to your internal tinnitus. Over time, this can make you less aware of the tinnitus, reducing its effect on your day-to-day life.

Very few studies have investigated the effects of different noise colors on tinnitus. Current research has found all colors of noise to be equally effective in treating tinnitus. Additional research is necessary to better understand the effects of noise color on tinnitus.

In a 2017 study, most participants reported a personal preference for white noise compared to pink or red.

Noise color therapy is one of several noninvasive treatment options for tinnitus. Other options include hearing aids and behavioral therapies, such as CBT and mindfulness-based therapies.

If you have tinnitus, consider talking with an audiologist for more information on the different treatment approaches and the type of treatment that is right for you.