San Antonio, Texas – Parents often turn to white noise machines to help their children sleep better. These devices create a soothing background sound that can mask other noises, promoting a more restful night’s sleep for both children and parents. However, recent research has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of white noise machines on children’s hearing health.
A review published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that many white noise machines produce sounds at alarming levels, potentially putting children at risk for hearing damage. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends limiting noise exposure to less than 85 decibels over eight hours to protect hearing. However, most white noise machines tested in the study exceeded this guideline.
Infants and toddlers, who often sleep for extended periods, may be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of loud white noise. Exposure to high decibel levels from white noise machines can lead to permanent hearing loss in children. To mitigate the risks, experts recommend keeping white noise machines at a volume below 60 decibels.
White noise exposure at high volumes can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to cell death and loss of function. Studies have also shown that white noise exposure in young children can impact physiological and social development, potentially affecting vocal and neuronal development. Additionally, exposure to high ambient noise has been linked to various negative effects on children’s sleep, cognitive development, behavior, and language proficiency.
To ensure that white noise machines are used safely, parents can use a decibel meter to measure the sound intensity produced by the device. Keeping the volume below 82 decibels, especially where children sleep, can help prevent potential hearing damage. It is important for parents to be aware of the risks associated with white noise machines and take steps to protect their children’s hearing health.