In recent years, it has become very fashionable to use white noise apps or playlists to get to sleep. Especially with babies who have a hard time relaxing or falling asleep. These sounds mimic the hum of the air conditioner, extractor hood, untuned television, hair dryer, or natural phenomena such as rain or wind.
To delve into the noise or white sound we have consulted with Dr. María José Lavilla Martín de Valmaseda from the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Zaragoza and Dr. Alicia Huarte Irujo from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Both belong to the Audiology Commission of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.
What is white noise exactly?
- White noise is a constant sound that prevents the other noises around us from being heard.
This white sound integrates the entire spectrum of sound frequencies that exist, in a harmonic way and without any sound standing out above another. That is why it is called white noise, like the color white, which is the sum of all the colors. It is very useful for masking powerful background noises that prevent us from resting or relaxing.
Is the effectiveness of white noise to fall asleep proven?
There is no unified scientific opinion. Yes, there are some experts who say that white noise is ideal to cover sounds from the environment, such as cars or construction noise and that it works very well for people who are light sleepers.
- What does seem to be a consensus is that it cannot be used consistently.
Its use is not indicated in cases of night apnea, for example, as it could be counterproductive.
Can we use white noise to make babies fall asleep?
Punctually, yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the device that emits white noise be 2 meters from the crib and that the volume be monitored not to exceed 50 decibels (to give you an idea, the sound of a vacuum cleaner generates 65 decibels) . Experiments they conducted suggested that a higher volume could damage hearing and increase the risk of language development problems.
- So now you know, don't use white noise as a daily tool to get your baby to sleep or wake up. Only in specific situations: if you are more nervous than usual and you no longer know what to do or if you work on the street, for example.
Is white noise dangerous then?
There are studies that suggest that its continued use could be harmful to the auditory system, so it is better not to abuse, as we already said. Dr. Victoria Montoro, from Otorhinolaryngology at the Dexeus University Hospital recommends not using headphones to listen to it.
And what white noise is better?
If you or a baby need it occasionally, it is better to use natural white noises such as rainwater or the sea.
This YouTube video has 10 hours of white noise in the mountains:
