Parents have relied on white noise machines for decades to help their children sleep soundly. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently issued a policy statement warning that improper use of these machines and exposure to other loud noises can lead to hearing issues in kids.
According to the AAP, children and teens are particularly vulnerable to noise exposure and often fail to recognize its hazards. They emphasize that noise exposure is an under-recognized public health issue in the United States and call for greater awareness of its risks.
Despite the warning, white noise machines remain popular. A survey conducted by Sleep Doctor earlier this year found that 37.2% of parents believe their kids require background noise to sleep, with 38.1% preferring white noise from an app or machine. Additionally, a Bloomberg report published in August revealed that white noise podcasts account for 3 million daily consumption hours on Spotify.
So, should parents be concerned about using white noise machines with their children? Let’s dive into what experts have to say.
Understanding White Noise
You’re probably familiar with white noise to some extent, but let’s clarify the details. Dr. Wanda Abreu, medical director of the Well Baby Nursery at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, explains that sound, like light, has a spectrum of wavelengths that can be categorized by color. When all these color wavelengths are combined, they appear white to the eye. White noise refers to the combination of all the colors in the acoustic spectrum.
White noise produces a steady, static-like background that many people, including infants, find soothing and sleep-promoting. It can also block out other ambient sounds such as household noises, TV, and traffic. Sound machines work by combining different sound wavelengths, effectively blurring out other sounds, so the brain doesn’t focus on them.
The Concerns Raised by the AAP
In its statement, the AAP addresses all loud noises, not just white noise machines. They assert that excessive or prolonged exposure to high volumes can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis (a condition where everyday sounds may seem unbearably loud and painful). The AAP states that sensorineural hearing loss, caused by inner ear damage, is usually irreversible and can occur in both children and adults. They mention a study on infant sound machines that found three devices exceeded recommended occupational limits, indicating potential hearing damage if played for more than eight hours.
However, the AAP also acknowledges that several studies demonstrate the benefits of white noise machines, such as helping children fall asleep, reducing crying, and increasing pain tolerance. Consequently, it’s unclear what parents should think.
Dr. Abreu emphasizes that parents should be very concerned. Infants have smaller ear canals than adults, making sounds more intense for them and increasing their vulnerability to hearing damage. However, the concern primarily lies in the volume of these machines rather than their use as a whole. Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, agrees that if white noise machines are used at lower levels, they are safe for children.
Dr. Cher Zhao, a pediatric ear, nose, and throat expert at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, also advises parents to exercise caution regarding the volume and duration of exposure.
Dr. Ganjian reassures parents that sound machines have consistently proven their effectiveness in improving infant mood and sleep, making them a recommended choice. He encourages parents to continue using white noise machines confidently as long as they ensure they are not too loud.
Using White Noise Machines Safely
The AAP offers some guidelines for using white noise machines safely:
- Place the machine as far away as possible from your baby’s sleeping area, ideally at least 7 feet away.
- Keep the volume as low as possible.
- Limit the duration of white noise machine usage.
The AAP recommends setting the volume no higher than 50 decibels, equivalent to the sound level of a quiet office. There are apps available to help determine decibel levels.
In conclusion, Dr. Abreu states that it’s acceptable to use white noise machines for babies, as long as parents are mindful of the volume and usage. She suggests turning the machines off when the baby is asleep and gradually developing other bedtime routines as the infant grows.
