Is it too noisy?
“Noise exposure is a pediatric issue because of the susceptibility of the developing auditory system and because effects on hearing and quality of life at early developmental stages can affect a child’s life trajectory.”
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 2023
Test your Noise Knowledge
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The most prevalent noise exposure for children and adolescents is listening to music on personal devices.
Using a white noise machine in the bedroom protects an infant’s hearing.
Sudden loud sounds can cause permanent hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss is the only preventable form of hearing loss.
Hearing loss among middle and high school students is rare.
If a child doesn’t complain, the noise level is safe.
Noise-induced hearing loss is usually fast and painful.
Hearing protection is an effective way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Noise is everywhere and is unavoidable in daily life. Most noise is harmless because the sound level doesn’t damage hearing. But overly loud and sustained noise can cause permanent noise-induced hearing loss that can negatively affect classroom learning, communication, language comprehension, social development and speech. Noise exposure can also have effects that seem unrelated, including fatigue, crankiness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and upset stomach (American Speech-Language Association [ASHA], 2024).
“Pediatricians, therefore, may play important roles in counseling about preventable noise exposure,” according to the AAP policy statement “Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children and Adolescents” (2023).
Texas Health Steps providers are required to conduct subjective hearing assessment or audiometric screening at every preventive medical checkup. They are required to provide health education and anticipatory guidance based on the patient’s circumstances, which can include unhealthy exposure to noise. Effective counseling begins with an understanding of noise exposures and risks faced by young patients, along with resources to help parents protect their children. Take a few minutes to build your skills by completing the quick course Preventing Excessive Noice Exposure in Young People.
Why it matters
“The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing loss to occur. The longer the exposure, the great the risk of hearing loss” (ASHA, 2024). Assessing a child’s hearing and providing education and resources takes only a few minutes but can protect their hearing for a lifetime.
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2024). Loud Noise Dangers.
Balk, S. J., Bochner, R. E., Ramdhanie, M. A., Reilly, B. K., & Council on Environmental Health and Climate Change, Section on Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. (2023). Policy Statement: Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Pediatrics 152 (5): e2023063752. 10.1542/peds.2023-063752