How they differ
| Type | Frequency balance | Sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| White | Equal power at every frequency | Hiss; bright and sharp |
| Pink | Drops about 3 dB per octave | Steady rain; even |
| Brown | Drops about 6 dB per octave | Low rumble; surf or wind |
The “brown” in brown noise comes from Brownian motion, not the colour.
Which to try
- Focus, or covering up voices → white or pink
- Sleep, or if high hiss bothers you → pink or brown
- Not sure → start with pink
There’s no right answer. Try each for a few minutes and keep the one you notice least.
Tinnitus and sound
The NHS says listening to soft music or sounds (sound therapy) may help distract you from tinnitus. Tinnitus UK suggests playing sound a little quieter than your tinnitus most of the time rather than drowning it out, since loud masking can make tinnitus seem louder once the sound stops.
A 2022 Cochrane review found no strong evidence that sound therapy works, while noting that this isn’t proof it doesn’t. Think of noise as a comfort tool, not a treatment.
Play it in the app
Tone Lab → Noise
In SonicKit’s Tone Lab, choose Noise and pick a type. White and pink are free; brown noise and the tinnitus notch unlock forever after one ad. Set the level with the volume slider.
Tinnitus notch
The notch carves a narrow band out of the noise (6000 Hz by default, adjustable). Some people find tinnitus stands out less with the notch set at its pitch. To find that pitch, play pure tones and adjust until one sounds similar.
Sleep timer
5, 15 and 30 minute timers are free; one ad adds 1, 2 and 8 hours for 24 hours. The sound fades out over the last 30 seconds. Playing quietly through the phone or a Bluetooth speaker is easier on your ears than earphones.
FAQ
Can I leave it on all night?
Many people do at low volume, but a timer gives your ears a rest. Avoid sleeping in earphones.
Does it need the internet?
No. Every sound is generated inside the app, so it works offline (ads aside).
SonicKit - Speaker Water Eject
No sign-up, and it works without an internet connection. Free on Android.