Child with ADHD using white noise therapy

Can White Noise Help Your Child Focus? The Science Behind Sound Therapy for ADHD

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the potential of white noise as a therapeutic tool to improve focus and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD."

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children, presenting challenges in focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While medication and behavioral therapies are common treatments, they aren't always enough or suitable for every child. This has parents and researchers alike searching for accessible and effective complementary strategies.

One such strategy gaining attention is the use of white noise. White noise, characterized by its consistent, static-like sound, has been explored for its potential to improve sleep and cognitive functions in various populations. But can it truly help children with ADHD? The science is revealing some promising, yet nuanced, results.

This article will explore the potential of white noise therapy as a tool to manage ADHD symptoms in children. We'll dive into the research, examining the specific benefits observed, the underlying theories behind why it might work, and the important limitations to consider before tuning in.

The Potential Benefits of White Noise for ADHD: What the Research Says

Child with ADHD using white noise therapy

Research suggests that white noise could offer several benefits for children with ADHD, particularly in areas related to attention and focus. However, it's crucial to understand that not all studies report the same results, and the effects can vary. Here's a breakdown of some key findings:

Several studies suggest that white noise therapy help improving language and speech recognition. Children can hear and understand sounds better with a background noise.

Improved Speech Recognition: Studies have shown that white noise at a specific volume (around 65 dB) can improve speech recognition in children with ADHD, helping them better distinguish sounds amidst background distractions.
Enhanced Reading and Writing Speed: Research indicates that children with ADHD may write more words and read passages faster when exposed to white noise compared to quiet or distracting environments.
Reduced Impulsivity: Some studies suggest that white noise can decrease off-task behavior in children with ADHD, helping them stay focused on assigned tasks.
Improved Vigilance: White noise has been shown to improve vigilance, or the ability to sustain attention over a period of time, in children with ADHD.
Working Memory Boost: Certain types of working memory tasks have been shown to improve with white noise, suggesting a potential benefit for cognitive processing.

It's important to note that not all studies show positive effects across all areas. Some research indicates that white noise might not impact reaction time or the ability to choose larger, long-term rewards over smaller, immediate ones. Additionally, the long-term effects of white noise therapy are still largely unknown.

Is White Noise Right for Your Child? Considerations and Next Steps

While the research on white noise and ADHD is promising, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of white noise therapy can vary depending on the individual, the specific symptoms being addressed, and the type and volume of noise used.

If you're considering white noise therapy for your child, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, therapist, or audiologist. They can help you determine if white noise is appropriate for your child's specific needs and guide you on how to implement it safely and effectively.

Remember, white noise should be viewed as a potential complementary tool, not a replacement for established treatments like medication or behavioral therapy. By working with healthcare professionals and carefully observing your child's response, you can determine if white noise can play a positive role in managing their ADHD symptoms and improving their quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.11.012, Alternate LINK

Title: White Noise As A Possible Therapeutic Option For Children With Adhd

Subject: Advanced and Specialized Nursing

Journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Thomas A. Pickens, Sara P. Khan, Daniel J. Berlau

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

How might white noise help children who have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

White noise, a consistent, static-like sound, is being explored as a complementary strategy for managing ADHD symptoms in children. Research indicates potential benefits like improved speech recognition (at around 65 dB), enhanced reading and writing speed, reduced impulsivity, improved vigilance, and boosted working memory. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the individual, specific symptoms, and the type/volume of noise. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and to determine which children with ADHD will benefit most.

What specific improvements have studies observed in children with ADHD who use white noise?

Research suggests that white noise can improve speech recognition in children with ADHD, helping them distinguish sounds amidst background distractions. Studies indicate children write more and read faster when exposed to white noise compared to quiet or distracting environments. Additionally, some studies suggest white noise reduces off-task behavior, enhances sustained attention, and boosts cognitive processing related to working memory tasks. The effectiveness of white noise therapy can vary depending on the individual, the specific symptoms being addressed, and the type and volume of noise used.

Are there any limitations to using white noise as a therapy for children with ADHD? Does white noise work for all children with ADHD?

While white noise has shown potential benefits in areas like speech recognition, reading/writing speed, impulsivity, vigilance, and working memory, it's not a universal solution for all ADHD symptoms. Research indicates that white noise might not impact reaction time or the ability to choose larger, long-term rewards over smaller, immediate ones. The effectiveness of white noise therapy can vary depending on the individual, the specific symptoms being addressed, and the type and volume of noise used.

What does research say about using white noise to improve focus in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Several studies showed that white noise has the potential to improve focus, speech recognition, reading and writing speed, impulsivity, vigilance, and working memory. It can potentially help boost concentration and manage symptoms. The effectiveness of white noise therapy can vary depending on the individual, the specific symptoms being addressed, and the type and volume of noise used.

What are the potential long-term effects of white noise therapy on children with ADHD, and are there any concerns to consider?

While the research is promising, the long-term effects of white noise therapy for children with ADHD are still largely unknown. More research is needed to determine the potential long-term impacts on cognitive development, auditory processing, and overall well-being. It's also crucial to understand if the benefits of white noise persist over time or if children adapt to the sound, diminishing its effectiveness. The effectiveness of white noise therapy can vary depending on the individual, the specific symptoms being addressed, and the type and volume of noise used.