Effects of white and pink noise administered before and during colonoscopy on pain and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy is a routinely employed procedure for the diagnosis and management of colorectal diseases. Despite its clinical utility, it is often associated with patient anxiety and discomfort, which may be exacerbated by procedure-related complications. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate and compare the effects of white and pink noise, administered both prior to and during colonoscopy, on anxiety and pain levels in adult patients undergoing colonoscopy.

METHODS

This randomized controlled study was conducted with 135 participants undergoing colonoscopy. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: White Noise (n = 45), Pink Noise (n = 45), and Control (n = 45). The White Noise and Pink Noise groups were exposed to continuous auditory stimulation (white or pink noise, respectively) for 20 min prior to the procedure and for an additional 20 min during the procedure. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS v27.

RESULTS

Post-intervention anxiety levels showed that all groups demonstrated statistically significant changes in anxiety scores over time (Control: p = 0.015; White Noise: p = 0.006; Pink Noise: p < 0.001). Notably, the pink noise group exhibited significantly lower anxiety levels compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). Pain scores were significantly lower in both the white noise and pink noise groups than in the control group during and after the procedure (all p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two noise intervention groups (p > 0.999).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing colonoscopy, the use of white and pink noise as adjuncts to pain management and psychological preparation may improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes, representing a low-cost, non-invasive, and easily implemented intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT07034638 (Registration date: 24.06.2025) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07034638 .