There are many white noise apps available in the app store that provide background sounds in order to create a quiet space via ambient “filler” noise. These apps often include playlists featuring, for example, rain, ocean, nature, and static fuzzy sounds. They are all so familiar to most of us and as helpful as they may be for some people, these flat spectrum sounds are not so beneficial to everyone. This can be especially true for people who are sensory sensitive. In this situation, the cumulative effect of all the different sensory “data” that surrounds someone can be simply overwhelming. So where some people use these types of ambient sounds as a way to help with focus and concentration, the additional input of unpatterned white noise backfires for others by contributing to sensory or auditory chaos.

With this in mind, the app called Endel is quite interesting. As an ambient, background noise app it is very unique when compared to traditional white noise apps. The sounds provided are music-based. Called “soundscapes”, the lyric-free music uses organized sound patterns and rhythms. It’s this presentation of sound, again organized, that is key to being more helpful for persons with special needs.

An adult with ADHD and tinnitus trialed Endel for BridgingApps and liked what it provided. She has been working from home during the COVID 19 pandemic and has found remote work extra challenging because of all the household sounds that affect her concentration. In addition, she is a family caregiver with frequent interruptions from her loved one who is also home because of community program closures. She loved Endel’s presentation. It is clutter-free with really mesmerizing black and white kinetic graphics. The organization of sounds into a “library” with goal-based themes such as hibernation, relax, focus, move, and sleep were very helpful as they could be matched with her changing needs. During work time she loved the methodical patterned music that helped mask tiny clicks sounds, neighbor dogs barking, and other random noises that completely throw her focus off. At night, her tinnitus can be maddening so she is hopeful that playing the sleep pattern sounds at a very light volume level may help her while trying to fall asleep. She found both the smart alarm and the timer integrated into the app are very usual features as well. She used the “focus” soundscape with the timer as a Pomodoro timer to help set a time based work goal.

BridgingApps sees Endel as a very usual app for everyone, but especially for persons who may have atypical sensory needs. Endel is a more expensive subscription-based app so trying out the app fully during the offered 1 week free trial period is a highly recommended.

Recently updated, Endel's new Smart alarm eases your transition from a restful night to a fulfilling day. Start your healthy sleep routine by setting a wake-up time. And, Sleep soundscape will soothe you into a good night's rest, allowing Smart alarm to wake you up gradually and naturally. Choose a morning sound scenario for an extra boost the next day.

Endel also improved support for iOS accessibility features: hover over a screen element to hear an audio description with VoiceOver.