Understanding Safe Decibel Levels for Babies
Science-backed guidelines to protect your baby's developing hearing
Why Noise Levels Matter
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to noise damage than adults. Their ear canals are smaller, and their hearing is still developing. Exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent hearing damage, affect speech development, and disrupt sleep patterns critical for growth and development.
BabyHears helps you monitor environmental noise levels using thresholds recommended by leading health organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO).
Age-Based Safety Thresholds
Newborn
(0-3 months)Based on American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for hospital nurseries
Source: AAP Hospital Nursery Guidelines
Infant
(3-12 months)Aligns with CDC safe decibel recommendations for infants
Source: CDC Infant Guidelines
Toddler
(1-3 years)Follows WHO guidelines for continuous noise exposure during sleep
Source: WHO Sleep Guidelines
Default
(General)A safe, conservative threshold for general use
Source: Conservative Threshold
Scientific Guidelines
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
November 2023
- ✓Hospital nurseries should keep sound at ≤50 dB
- ✓Noise >70 dB over prolonged periods may damage hearing
- ✓>85 dB is hazardous (NIOSH occupational standard not meant for infants)
- ✓Sound machines in nurseries should be kept at 50 dB or lower
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- ✓Safe decibel level for infants: <60 dB
- ✓Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage
World Health Organization (WHO)
- ✓Continuous exposure >65 dB during sleep interferes with healthy development
- ✓Sleep quality threshold: <65 dB for optimal rest
- ✓Noise pollution affects children more than adults
Common Sound Level Examples
How BabyHears Measures Sound
Decibel (dB) Measurement
Decibels are a logarithmic unit used to measure sound intensity. Because the scale is logarithmic, every 10 dB increase represents a doubling of perceived loudness. This means a 70 dB sound is not just slightly louder than 60 dB—it's twice as loud.
Spike vs. Sustained Noise
BabyHears distinguishes between two types of noise:
- •Spike (Brief): A sudden loud noise that quickly subsides, like a door slamming or a dog barking. Usually okay if brief.
- •Sustained (Continuous): Noise that persists over time, like a vacuum cleaner running or loud music. This is more concerning for baby's hearing.
Important Disclaimer
BabyHears is designed to provide general information about environmental noise levels based on published scientific recommendations from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO). This app is NOT a medical device and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The decibel measurements provided are estimates and may not be perfectly accurate. Always consult with a pediatrician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your child's health and safety. While BabyHears aims to help parents monitor their baby's sound environment, it cannot guarantee the prevention of hearing damage or other health issues. Parents and caregivers are responsible for making informed decisions about their child's care.