White noise machines for infants produce louder sounds than recommended for adults, potentially causing hearing damage.

A new study published in Sleep Medicine finds that many white noise machines for infants produce sounds louder than recommended for adults, potentially causing hearing damage in infants who are more susceptible to loud noises. The study's authors warn that commercially available white noise machines lack clear noise level labeling and are not federally regulated. Current pediatric sound guidelines do not offer specific decibel cutoffs for white noise machines, recommending placing machines far away from infants, keeping volume low, and limiting use duration.

June 27, 2024
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