Parents often find themselves navigating a maze of products claiming to enhance their child's sleep. White noise machines have been a staple for years, offering a steady hum to drown out intrusive sounds. These devices are particularly popular among parents desperate for a good night's sleep. But recent warnings from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have raised questions about the safety of these machines.
In a policy statement, the AAP highlighted that all children and teenagers are especially susceptible to noise hazards. "Noise exposure is under-recognized as a serious public health issue in the United States," the statement reads. Given their "unique vulnerabilities," children often don't recognize when noise levels become dangerous.
This revelation comes at a time when background noise—aided by devices like white noise machines—is increasingly common. A survey by Sleep Doctor found that over 37% of parents use some form of background noise to help their children sleep. Furthermore, white noise podcasts rank high on platforms like Spotify, collectively amassing millions of daily consumption hours.
So, is it time for parents to worry? Yes and no, say experts. Dr. Wanda Abreu from NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital explains that white noise is essentially the combination of all the acoustic spectrum's color wavelengths, creating a "steady, static-like background." This can be particularly soothing for both infants and adults, helping to block out disruptive household sounds.
However, excessive or prolonged exposure to high volumes can lead to serious hearing issues, including irreversible damage like sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, warns the AAP. Studies have shown that some white noise machines can exceed recommended occupational limits if left on for more than eight hours. These risks are especially heightened in children due to their smaller ear canals, which intensify sound frequencies, making volumes louder and therefore more damaging.
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician in Santa Monica, asserts that while sound machines are beneficial, they need to be used cautiously: "If they're used at lower levels, they're safe for children," he says. Pediatric ENT Dr. Cher Zhao echoes this sentiment, urging parents to monitor the volume and duration of exposure.
The AAP offers guidelines for safer use of white noise machines. These include positioning the machine at least seven feet away from your child's crib, setting the volume no higher than 50 decibels, and limiting usage to necessary periods. Apps are available to help parents measure and maintain these safe sound levels.
Additional concerns extend beyond white noise machines. A study published in BMJ Global Health revealed that over a billion young people globally risk hearing loss due to unsafe listening volumes. Many adolescents listen to music at volumes between 70 and 100 decibels, far exceeding the recommended safe limits.
According to ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Doren Sutton, children's smaller ear canals expose them to higher frequency sounds, increasing their risk of hearing damage. This is partly due to the design of personal listening devices like headphones, which can emit sounds well above the safe limit.
Signs of hearing loss in children include speech and language delays, lack of reaction to loud noises, and difficulties hearing in school. Dr. Sutton advises parents to monitor their child's behavior closely, noting any difficulties in communication or unusual volume levels in their devices.
Dr. Nilong Vyas from SleepFoundation.org advises that while sound machines can be useful in helping children sleep, their use should be reduced as kids grow older. "Constant sound input is not a healthy habit," she notes, suggesting that sound machines should only be used when absolutely necessary.
The AAP's recommendations aren't just about white noise machines; they're a call to action for greater awareness of various noise hazards. Other common household items like TVs, hair dryers, and toys can also emit harmful noise levels. Parents are urged to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their children's hearing.
The AAP stresses that once hearing is lost due to noise exposure, the damage is permanent. Thus, it is crucial to protect hearing right from infancy. Protective measures can include using ear protection at noisy events and monitoring the volume of personal devices. Tools like the SoundCheck Live app can help parents keep track of their children's sound exposure.
Dr. Sophie J. Balk from Montefiore and Dr. Kiley Trott from Yale underscore the critical importance of hearing in a child's development. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, lower educational attainment, and a cascade of related health issues. Additionally, sociodemographic disparities mean that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face higher environmental noise levels, further exacerbating the issue.
Ultimately, the goal is to balance the benefits of white noise and other sound machines with their potential risks. Parents should not feel guilty but rather informed and prepared to make the best choices for their families.
"Healthy hearing is important at every age," says Dr. Dave Fabry from Starkey Laboratories. By adopting safe listening habits early, we can help our children maintain their hearing health for a lifetime. And sometimes, the best advice is also the simplest: "If you can hear the song your child is listening to through their earbuds, it’s time to turn the volume down."