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What is a White Noise Machine?
White noise machines, also known as white noise generators, emit a sound that simulates the natural ambiance of a rushing waterfall or wind blowing through trees. These machines are designed to provide a range of soothing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds such as rain, waterfalls, forests, surf and ocean sounds.
White noise machines and sound machines are particularly useful for:
- Enhancing relaxation and promoting sleep
- Masking out disruptive sounds such as those from neighbors, traffic, or pets
- Providing privacy in office environments by blocking out distant conversations
- Helping to settle babies and prevent them from being disturbed by external noise
- Assisting individuals with tinnitus in masking their symptoms.
Why are White Noise Machine used?
White noise machines are used for several reasons, including:
Helping with sleep: The sound of white noise can be used to mask external sounds that may otherwise disrupt sleep. This can be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or those who are sensitive to external sounds such as traffic or neighbors.
Masking disruptive sounds: White noise can be used to mask sounds that may be disruptive or bothersome, such as those from pets or neighbors. This can be especially helpful in urban or suburban environments where external noise can be a common problem.
Providing privacy: The use of white noise can also provide privacy in office environments by blocking out distant conversations, allowing for better concentration and productivity.
Soothing babies: White noise can also be used to create a soothing environment for infants, which can help them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.
Helping with tinnitus: For people with tinnitus, white noise can be used to mask the ringing or buzzing sounds in their ears, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
We stock the leading brands of White Noise Machines:
- Mechanical White Noise Machines - which essentially consist of an enclosed fan - in an enclosure that lets you change the pitch/tone of the noise
- Electronic White Noise Machines - which can produce white noise sounds electronically - but also can reproduce quite accurately real nature sounds and relaxation sounds.
- White Noise Machines for Babies - with sounds specifically designed to calm babies and mask external noises that might wake them or disturb their sleeps
- Tinnitus Sound Therapy Machines - which have white noise and nature sounds specifically engineered to be broad spectrum or at specific frequency ranges to mask and help alleviate your the ringing in your ears and provide relief.
Sleep Solutions is NDIS Registered and Approved
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Sleep Solutions is a registered NDIS provider
Sleep Solutions is registered as a provider with the NDIS
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The Australian Guide to White Noise & Sound Therapy Machines
Everything you need to know about how sound machines improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and provide tinnitus relief.
What is White Noise?
If you find that the slightest sound - a dog barking down the street, a noisy neighbour, or traffic outside your window—disturbs your sleep, a white noise machine offers a highly effective, non-invasive solution.
Technically, pure white noise is a continuous sound that distributes equal energy across all audible frequencies. It is perceived by the human ear as a gentle, continuous hiss, similar to television static.
How Does a Sound Machine Work?
A sleep sound machine works through a principle known as auditory masking. When a sudden noise occurs in the night, it is not the volume of the noise itself that wakes you, but the sudden change in the acoustic environment. By creating a steady, unchanging sound field, a sound machine raises the ambient acoustic baseline - masking disruptive background noises and preventing the sudden sensory shifts that alert your brain and disrupt your sleep cycle.
The Spectrum of Sound: White, Pink & Brown Noise
While "white noise" is the common term, the best sound machines actually offer a spectrum of different "coloured" noises. Each colour emphasises different frequency ranges, which can dramatically change how soothing the sound feels. Select a noise type below to explore.
20 HzLowMidHigh20 kHz
Frequency Energy Distribution
● White Noise
White noise distributes energy equally across all frequencies. Because the human ear is highly sensitive to high pitches, pure white noise can sometimes sound bright, sharp, or slightly harsh.
Sounds like: Television static, a hissing radiator, steady air conditioner
Best for: General environmental masking, office focus, blocking out a wide range of unpredictable noises
20 HzLowMidHigh20 kHz
Frequency Energy Distribution
● Pink Noise
Pink noise reduces the volume of higher frequencies and boosts lower frequencies. It sounds deeper and more balanced than white noise. Many users prefer pink noise for sleep because it is less abrasive on the ear.
Sounds like: Steady rainfall, wind rustling through trees, gentle ocean waves
Best for: Sleep enhancement, relaxation, adults who find white noise too harsh or sharp
20 HzLowMidHigh20 kHz
Frequency Energy Distribution
● Brown Noise (Red Noise)
Brown noise drastically reduces high frequencies and heavily emphasises deep, low-frequency bass notes. It sounds like a deep, roaring waterfall or distant thunder.
Sounds like: A deep waterfall, distant rolling thunder, strong wind against a building
Best for: Masking low-frequency disturbances like traffic rumble, heavy footsteps, or bass vibrations
Broad Frequency vs. Specific Frequency Sounds
When browsing for a sound machine, you will notice a divide in the types of audio tracks available. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right device for your needs.
Broad Frequency Sounds
These cover a wide band of frequencies simultaneously, making them exceptional for environmental masking—drowning out unpredictable external noises. They provide a wash of sound that the brain easily tunes out.
Examples: White/pink noise, heavy rainfall, ocean waves, rushing wind
Specific Frequency Sounds
These are not designed to mask external noise. Rather, they are highly beneficial for internal distraction or targeting specific conditions like tinnitus, providing a calming, meditative focal point for the brain.
Examples: Targeted chime tones, single-pitch therapy tracks, customised melodic sequences
How Sound Induces Relaxation & Calms a "Busy Mind"
Beyond simply blocking out noise, sound therapy actively influences the human nervous system. For many adults, the primary barrier to sleep is not environmental noise, but a "busy mind"—racing thoughts and nighttime anxiety.
The Relaxation Response & Breathing
Listening to a consistent, rhythmic sound provides the brain with a neutral, non-stimulating focal point. By consciously focusing your attention on the sound of ocean waves or a gentle chime, you distract the brain from intrusive thoughts. When this is combined with deep, rhythmic breathing to match the tempo of the sound, it stimulates the vagus nerve—shifting the autonomic nervous system out of "fight or flight" (sympathetic state) and into "rest and digest" (parasympathetic dominance), lowering the heart rate and reducing cortisol levels.
Quantifiable Sleep Improvements
The efficacy of sound machines in improving sleep quality is supported by clinical research:
38%
Faster Sleep Onset
A clinical review found that continuous broadband noise helped participants fall asleep up to 38% more quickly compared to sleeping in a silent room.
[1] Sleep Foundation, 2024
↑
Improved Sleep Efficiency
A clinical trial found that white noise significantly reduced Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) in adults living in high-noise urban environments, leading to higher overall sleep efficiency.
[2] Ebben et al., Sleep Medicine, 2021
Brainwave Entrainment: Alpha Waves, Delta Waves & Binaural Beats
Advanced sound therapy devices often incorporate specialised audio tracks designed to directly influence brain activity—a process known as brainwave entrainment.
Beta Waves
12-30 Hz
Active thinking and concentration. This is your normal waking state during the day.
Alpha Waves
8-12 Hz
Deep relaxation and closed-eye wakefulness. The bridge between alertness and drowsiness.
Delta Waves
0.5-4 Hz
The deepest, most restorative stages of dreamless sleep. Essential for physical recovery.
How Binaural Beats Work
Because the human ear cannot directly hear frequencies as low as 4 Hz, sound engineers use an auditory illusion. By playing slightly different frequencies in each ear, your brain perceives the difference as a pulsing beat—and gradually syncs its own electrical activity to match.
Left Ear
200
Hz
→
Brain Perceives
4 Hz
Delta Wave → Deep Sleep
←
Right Ear
204
Hz
Tinnitus Sound Therapy: Relief & Prevalence in Australia
Tinnitus is characterised by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears without an external sound source. Standard quiet environments often amplify the perceived volume of this ringing, making sleep incredibly difficult.
How Sound Therapy Provides Relief
Specialised tinnitus sound therapy devices are frequently recommended by audiologists. By introducing a carefully calibrated external sound, a tinnitus sound machine reduces the stark contrast between the internal ringing and the quiet bedroom. Over time, this helps the auditory cortex of the brain to naturally "tune out" or habituate to the tinnitus [4].
Residual Inhibition: The "Morning Calm" Effect
One of the most valuable clinical phenomena associated with sound therapy is residual inhibition—a temporary suppression of tinnitus that persists even after the device has been turned off [5].
During Sleep
Sound therapy bathes the auditory system in soothing, masking frequencies throughout the night.
Device Turns Off
Sound therapy stops, but the auditory cortex remains in a habituated state.
Morning Calm
Many users experience significantly dampened or completely interrupted ringing upon waking.
Gradual Return
Tinnitus gradually returns to baseline over the course of the day. Repeat nightly for best results.
The Medical Credentials Behind Sound Oasis
When choosing an electronic sound therapy system, the quality of the audio tracks is paramount. Sound Oasis distinguishes itself from basic white noise generators by utilising a panel of world-renowned doctors, audiologists, and scientists to specifically compose and engineer their sound cards [6][7].
Dr. Lee Bartel
Founding Director, Music & Health Research Collaboratory, University of TorontoA leading scientific designer of therapeutic music recordings, utilising specific frequencies to induce physiological relaxation.
Dr. Fred Schwartz
Pioneer in Hospital Sound TherapyAn acclaimed expert in using music to reduce stress in hospital environments, particularly known for developing soothing audio systems for premature babies in the ICU.
Dr. Jeffrey Thompson
Global Expert in Sound TherapyDeveloped the proprietary 'Bio-Sync' sound tracks that utilise binaural beats and brainwave entrainment to realign the body after stressful days.
Lee Tiller
CBT & Psychotherapy ExpertConsults extensively on how specific auditory cues can assist chronic insomniacs in breaking anxiety cycles and improving sleep quality.
Choosing the Best White Noise Machine
Finding the best white noise machine depends on your specific needs. There are two main types to consider, each with distinct advantages.
Analogue
Mechanical Machines
Devices like the classic Marpac (now Yogasleep) consist of a real, enclosed fan. You manually twist the acoustic housing to adjust the pitch of the rushing air.
- ✓Physical, analogue sound with no digital artefacts
- ✓Less high-frequency harshness
- ✓Simple, durable construction
- ✓No looping — continuous natural sound
Digital
Electronic Machines
High-quality electronic units reproduce a wide variety of audio via a digital speaker, offering far more versatility for targeted sound therapy needs.
- ✓Wide variety of sound options (nature, noise, therapy)
- ✓Brainwave entrainment and binaural beats
- ✓Specific tinnitus masking programmes
- ✓Timers, volume control, and portability
Ready to Transform Your Sleep with Sound?
Browse our complete range of white noise and sound therapy machines to find your perfect match. Not sure which machine is right for you? Our Australian-based sleep experts are here to help.
References
- 1. Sleep Foundation. (2024). How Noise Can Affect Your Sleep Satisfaction. sleepfoundation.org
- 2. Ebben, M. R., Yan, P., & Krieger, A. C. (2021). The effects of white noise on sleep and duration in individuals living in a high noise environment in New York City. Sleep Medicine, 83, 256-259. doi.org
- 3. Lewkowski, K., et al. (2022). The prevalence of tinnitus in the Australian working population. The Medical Journal of Australia, 216(4), 189-193. mja.com.au
- 4. Jastreboff, P. J. (1990). Phantom auditory perception (tinnitus): mechanisms of generation and perception. Neuroscience Research, 8(4), 221-254. doi.org
- 5. Terry, A. M. P., et al. (1983). Parametric studies of tinnitus masking and residual inhibition. British Journal of Audiology, 17(4), 245-256. doi.org
- 6. Sound Oasis. Doctors Behind The Sounds. soundoasis.com
- 7. Sound Oasis. Tinnitus Solutions. soundoasis.com
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Sleep Solutions is a registered NDIS provider
Sleep Solutions is registered as a provider with the NDIS
VIEW MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do White Noise Machines work?
White Noise Machines work by creating a consistent ambient sound to mask disruptive background noises. The term "white noise" is derived from "white light", which is light that contains all wavelengths and is perceived as the colour white. Similarly, white noise contains all frequencies audible to the human ear, combined at a similar level, creating a uniform sound that helps drown out other sounds.
- White Noise Machines create a consistent ambient sound
- The sound is designed to mask disruptive background noises
- White noise contains all frequencies audible to the human ear at a similar level
By producing this constant, soothing sound, a White Noise Machine can help to create a quiet and calm environment. This can be particularly useful in loud or busy environments, or for people who are sensitive to noise. It's often used to improve sleep, by drowning out noises that might wake or disturb the sleeper, but can also be used to improve concentration or to provide privacy by masking conversation in an open space. The consistent sound of white noise can be more easily ignored by our brain than sudden, individual noises, helping to create a peaceful environment.
Are White Noise Machines good for tinnitus?
Yes, White Noise Machines can be beneficial for individuals suffering from tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition where a person experiences a ringing or buzzing noise in their ears even when there is no external source of these sounds. This constant noise can be quite disturbing and can interfere with their daily life, particularly with sleep.
- White Noise Machines produce a constant, uniform sound
- They can help mask the constant noise caused by tinnitus
- This can provide relief and help improve sleep quality
White Noise Machines work by creating a steady, unchanging sound that can help mask the ringing or buzzing noise of tinnitus. This masking effect can provide temporary relief from the constant noise and help improve sleep quality. Furthermore, for some people, the white noise itself can be soothing and help promote relaxation. However, while many people with tinnitus find White Noise Machines helpful, they are not a cure for the underlying causes of tinnitus. If you're suffering from tinnitus, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Do White Noise Machines work?
Yes, White Noise Machines do work for many people in certain situations. They operate by producing a constant, soothing sound that can mask disruptive background noises. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals living in noisy environments or those having trouble sleeping due to intermittent sounds. The consistent sound generated by a White Noise Machine can help the brain tune out disturbing sounds, leading to improved sleep quality and concentration.
- White Noise Machines produce a constant, soothing sound
- They can mask disruptive background noises
- Can help improve sleep quality and concentration
While White Noise Machines are effective for many, their success can vary from person to person. Some people might find the white noise itself distracting or annoying, and for others, it might not sufficiently mask the specific types of noise that disturb them. Additionally, while these machines can provide a more peaceful environment, they don't tackle the root cause of sleep issues or noise sensitivity. Therefore, while White Noise Machines can be a useful tool in managing noise disruptions and improving sleep, they should be considered as part of a broader approach to sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Where do you place a White Noise Machine in the bedroom?
The placement of a White Noise Machine in your bedroom can significantly influence its effectiveness. Ideally, the machine should be placed at a distance from your bed, not directly next to it. By positioning it farther away, the white noise can evenly disperse throughout the room, creating a more uniform sound field that effectively masks disruptive noises.
- Place the White Noise Machine at a distance from your bed
- This allows the white noise to evenly disperse throughout the room
- Position the machine between you and the source of the disruptive noise, if possible
If there's a particular noise you're trying to block, such as traffic noise from a window, it can help to position the White Noise Machine between you and the source of the noise. If your machine has volume control, adjust the level so it's just loud enough to mask the disruptive sounds, but not so loud that it's disruptive itself. It's important to experiment with different placements and settings to find the solution that works best for your specific needs. Remember, the aim is to create a soothing, steady background sound that helps to minimise the impact of other noises on your sleep or concentration.
Can a White Noise Machine be used for privacy in an office?
Yes, a White Noise Machine can be used effectively to enhance privacy in an office setting. In an office, especially in open-plan environments, conversations can easily be overheard, which can be disruptive and compromise confidentiality. A White Noise Machine can help mask these conversations, making them less intelligible to those not directly involved.
- White Noise Machines can mask conversations in an office
- This helps enhance privacy and reduce distractions
- They are particularly useful in open-plan offices or shared spaces
The White Noise Machine should be placed strategically in the space where it can best drown out speech sounds. This might be in the middle of an open space, near a particularly noisy area, or near a partition where sound leaks from one area to another. The volume should be adjusted so that it's loud enough to mask speech, but not so loud as to be disruptive. In addition to providing privacy, the use of a White Noise Machine can also reduce distractions, helping to improve concentration and productivity in the office environment.
Are White Noise Machines good for babies?
Yes, White Noise Machines can be beneficial for babies as they can mimic the sounds babies hear in the womb, which is comforting and can help them sleep better. These machines can also mask sudden or disruptive noises in the environment that could startle or wake a sleeping baby, such as a door slamming or a dog barking.
- White Noise Machines mimic the sounds babies hear in the womb
- They can mask disruptive noises, helping babies to sleep better
- Always ensure the machine is used safely and at an appropriate volume
However, as with adult usage, it's essential to use the White Noise Machine safely. The volume should be kept at a safe level - no louder than about 50 decibels - to protect the baby's developing hearing. The machine should also be placed at a safe distance from the baby's crib, not directly in it. Also, it's recommended to not use the machine for a prolonged, uninterrupted period. Instead, using it for a short period to help the baby fall asleep can be a good approach. It's also advised to gradually decrease reliance on the machine as the baby grows older to ensure they can sleep comfortably in different environments. As always, if you have any specific concerns or questions, it's best to consult with a paediatrician or healthcare professional.