Brown noise, characterized by lower tones akin to thunder or wind, has garnered attention for its potential benefits, particularly for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike white noise, which covers all audible pitches like static or a fan’s hum, brown noise is perceived as soothing and may act as a masking agent for distracting sounds.
Göran Söderlund, a researcher at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, discovered that individuals with ADHD exhibited enhanced memory and language task performance when exposed to white noise. He hypothesizes that brown noise may yield similar effects, potentially due to its influence on dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine, crucial for maintaining focus, is often deficient and inconsistently released in those with ADHD. Söderlund suggests that broad-spectrum sounds like white and brown noise might simulate dopamine’s effects, organizing chaotic neuron signals in ADHD brains and facilitating improved focus and calmer thoughts.
Moreover, Söderlund’s team observed that children with reading difficulties experienced enhanced reading and memory skills through exposure to white noise. Despite limited research on the interaction between white noise and medication in individuals with ADHD, Dan Berlau, a professor at Regis University, asserts compelling evidence supporting white noise’s efficacy. Its noninvasive nature, ease of use, and accessibility across socioeconomic backgrounds make it a viable consideration for individuals struggling with focus (Morris, 2022).
Incorporating brown noise into educational settings could offer a novel approach to supporting students with ADHD and reading difficulties. Further research exploring its efficacy across diverse populations and contexts is warranted, potentially revolutionizing educational strategies for cognitive enhancement.
The color of the noise in the classroom
Implementing brown noise in classrooms, particularly during independent work sessions, is a practice adopted by some educators, albeit with cautionary notes from experts. Gail Whitelaw, an audiologist at Ohio State, underscores the heightened sensitivity of children, particularly those with hearing impairments or non-native English speakers, to background noise. Research often recommends students use headphones for listening to white noise at moderate volumes, indicating that broadcasting white or brown noise across the entire classroom may not universally benefit students.
Although its efficacy remains somewhat uncertain, Dan Berlau suggests a pragmatic approach wherein teachers could offer headphones with brown noise to students struggling with concentration. This simple and cost-effective solution carries minimal risk. Whitelaw stresses the importance of collecting empirical data to ascertain its efficacy, advocating for evidence-based practices over assumptions drawn solely from specific research. Berlau anticipates further investigations into how various types of noise affect brain function (Will, 2023). Integrating brown noise into classrooms presents a potential avenue for aiding students’ concentration, pending further research and careful implementation strategies to ensure its effectiveness and suitability for diverse learners.
Conclusion
In summary, both brown and white noise hold promise for aiding individuals with ADHD by fostering environments conducive to improved focus and cognitive performance. Research indicates potential benefits of both types of noise on memory and concentration, possibly linked to their influence on dopamine levels in the brain. Nevertheless, caution is advised regarding classroom implementation due to varying sensitivity to background noise, especially among students with hearing impairments or non-native English speakers. While empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of broadcasting white and brown noise in classrooms is lacking, providing students who struggle to focus with headphones emitting brown noise represents a low-risk intervention worth considering. Educators should prioritize gathering empirical data to assess its effectiveness for individual students. Further research into the neurological effects of different noise types is imperative to refine and optimize such interventions for maximal benefit.
References
Morris, A., 2022. For some with ADHD, the low rumble of brown noise quiets the brain. [online] The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/14/brown-noise-adhd-focus/ [Accessed 14 February 2024].
Will, M., 2023. White, Brown, Pink: What Different Colors of Noise Mean and How They Can Help Learning. [online] The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/brown-white-pink-what-different-colors-of-noise-mean-and-how-they-can-help-learning/2023/11. [Accessed 14 February 2024].
