Did you know? Studies show that White Noise may be an effective, cheap, and easy intervention to help neurodivergent students focus. When played in the classroom, either through headphones or a speaker, white noise has been shown to effectively increase on-task behavior and task performance. In this article, we will review evidence from several articles detailing how this intervention has helped students with ADHD, ADD, and related behavior disorders.
Our very own Misty Murray M.Ed., BCBA, LBA completed a study on this subject a few years back. We will also review the results of her findings.
Just like any other intervention, White Noise has not proven to be foolproof for all learners. Some learners prefer pink or brown noise. For neurotypical students, there’s evidence that white noise can be distracting. This fascinating research is just another example of the uniqueness of each and every individual. ABA-LLC prides itself on an individualized approach to interventions for participants of all backgrounds.
What is an Attention Disorder?
The DSM-5 defines Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as just ADHD, as:
- A persistent pattern of inattention
- hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Inattention in ADHD might manifest as trouble with staying on-task, while making seemingly “careless” mistakes that reflect a lack of attention. You may notice that ADHD learners seem “far off” or “distracted” in the classroom setting. The individual may consistently lose objects or fail to complete assignments.
Hyperactivity in ADHD shows up in an excess of energy. The individual may talk extensively, struggle with staying still, fidget, or constantly get up from their seat. Some individuals seem like they are driven by a motor, and are unable to slow down even in leisure activities.
A third way ADHD manifests is in Impulsive behavior; where an individual might have trouble waiting their turn, and might blurt out the answers to questions before the question is over, or butt into conversation out of turn.
What is White Noise?
White Noise is created by combining a wide spectrum of soundwaves to create a consistent, balanced sound. It might sound like a fan, a humming appliance, or even the TV/Radio static of yore. White Noise is especially effective in drowning out other sounds; which can help a person focus while staying on-task. White noise’s name is inspired by white light; as white objects reflect all visible wavelengths of light, white noise combines all audible frequencies at once.
As White Noise was named for a color, audio engineers and physicists began using different colors to describe different kinds of noise. Though there are various examples including Green, Blue, and Violet noise, Pink Noise and Brown Noise have become particularly popular as focus-tools.
Pink Noise, similar to white noise, contains all audible frequencies. However, whereas white noise remains constant in sound, pink noise’s intensity decreases as the frequency increases. This results to equal energy per octave. Examples familiar to the human ear include falling rain, crashing ocean waves, or leaves rustling in the wind.
Brown Noise is a low frequency sound that will sound deep, bassy, and rumbling to human ears. Unlike white noise, brown noise features low energy at high frequencies and higher energy at low frequencies. It is also sometimes called Red Noise.
The Research
In the 1990s, research about white noise as a sleep aid started gaining prevalence. Research indicated that white noise improved sleep. Anecdotal evidence says that many connect to the desire to hear tv static or a box fan as they fall sleep. In the 2000s however, psychiatrists shifted their focus to explore how else white noise might affect the brain.
from
“Listen to the noise: Noise is beneficial for cognitive performance in ADHD.”
In 2007, Söderlund, G., Sikström, S., & Smart, A. published an article in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48 that provided information on what psychologists knew about noise and cognitive performance. They posited that individuals with ADHD were particularly responsive to white noise as they had higher levels of hypofunctional dopamine. White noise provided a sensory stimulation that made it easier to function at the same level as individuals without ADHD.
from “Effects of noise and music on human and task performance: A systematic review.“
Dalton, B. H., & Behm, D. G’s 2007 article in Occupational Ergonomics 7 was not focused on ADHD individuals, but did explore the effects of a variety of sounds on human task performance. It is worth noting that within this study, music decreased task performance of participants whereas white noise seemed to strengthen it. The conclusion drawn? Music is rhythmic, whereas white noise is one consistent sound. Further tests would need to be completed to truly understand what types of noise were best for attention.
from “Effects of white noise on off-task behavior and academic responding for children with ADHD.”
By 2013, a link was established and Behavior Analysts became interested in white noise as a possible antecedent intervention for children with ADHD. Cook, A., Bradley-Johnson, S., & Johnson, C. M. conducted a study on three participants with ADHD, and published their findings in Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(1). The article tested the efficacy of both the use of headphones and headphones with white noise to see how they affected children performing off-task behaviors…and found that white noise was a cheap and effective intervention.
from “Neuropsychological and neurophysiological benefits from white noise in children with and without ADHD.“
Fascinatingly, a 2016 study shows that while students with ADHD, White noise effectively improved performance standards, the data was not as clear for neurotypical students. Baijot, S., Slama, H., Söderlund, G., Dan, B., Deltenre, P., Colin, C., & Deconinck, N. discussed in Behavioral and Brain Functions, 12 the neuropsychological benefits of white noise for students with and without ADHD.
Misty’s Study
As an ADHD parent herself, Misty was well aware of the interventions available for ADHD. While medication is typically recommended by a doctor, as a student of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Murray was fascinated by possible behavior interventions. The use of White Noise in the classroom constitutes an Antecedent based intervention. Definitionally, antecedent based interventions include any environmental modifications made before the behavior is displayed.
During her study at The Chicago School of Clinical Psychology, Misty decided to recreate Cook et al’s 2013 study on the relationship between white noise, ADHD, off-task behavior and academic success. The research questions that led her study were:
- Does the use of white noise decrease the off-task behaviors presented by individuals with ADHD as compared to the use of headphones alone?
- Does the use of white noise increase the academic performance of individuals with ADHD in the clinical setting as compared to the use of headphones alone?
The study included 3 participants between the ages of 10-20 who had been diagnosed with ADHD, and took place in a clinical setting.
Experimental Design & Dependent Variables
Experimental Design
- Original study used a Multiple-Baseline Design
- Systematic Replication Study will use an Alternating Treatment Design
- Treatment Conditions
- Baseline
- Headphones without White Noise
- Headphones with White Noise
Dependent Variables
- Off-task behavior is defined by any time the participant is looks away from the presented task for longer than five consecutive seconds or attempting to leave the room for other reasons (Cook, 2014).
- Academic performance is the percent correct on a presented activity completed within the given timeframe.
- Off-task behaviors will be measured using a fixed interval 15s schedule for fifteen minutes or less if the activity is completed earlier, for two to three sessions per week.
- Data collection for academic performance will be the completed number of items divided by the total number of items and then multiplied by 100 to get the percent correct.
Study Results
Based upon the data collected, white noise was shown to affect children with ADHD.
In reference to Murray’s first research question, does white noise decrease off-task behaviors for children with ADHD, a correlation and plausible causation was shown between white noise and a decrease in off-task behavior. The data showed that when wearing headphones playing white noise compared to just wearing headphones, the participants off-task behavior decreased significantly. As is apparent in the above chart, there was a significant difference in trend, level, and variability.
Murray’s second question, does white noise increase academic performance in students with ADHD, was harder to parse. While adding headphones did seem to raise the participants baseline performance, the data collected with and without headphones was quite similar. Percentage wise, very little to no difference was observed. As a researcher, Murray believes that a more in-depth analysis of the condition needs to be made before a conclusion can be reached.
Implementing White Noise in Your Life
If you are a loved one have ADHD or ADHD symptoms, it is easier than ever to find and try white noise sounds. You can buy a noise machine explicitly for white noise, but there are also a number of apps and even free YouTube videos that provide a similar experience. Try a couple of Google searches to see what’s out there…and don’t be afraid to experiment! Try out different noises and see how each affects performance and task adherence.
Linked below are a few videos to get you started:
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC works with around 190 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/