Sophie J. Balk, MD, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, and Mahindra A. Ramdhanie, AuD, Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology, worked closely with peers to develop the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement “Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children and Adolescents.” The policy provides pioneering insights on the instrumental role pediatricians have in helping prevent excessive noise exposure and increasing understanding around noise hazards for children. The policy also provides guidance to pediatricians on specific actions they can take to help prevent excessive noise exposure.

Noise exposure is a pediatric concern because of the unique vulnerabilities that infants, children and adolescents have in regards to sound levels. Noise exposure is not generally seen as hazardous by the public. However, the effects on hearing and quality of life at early developmental stages can damage the developing auditory system. Excessive noise at any age can lead to irreversible noise-induced hearing loss.

To develop the statement, an extensive literature review was conducted to investigate broad-ranging sources, incorporating studies from medical journals with specialties spanning pediatrics, child development, maternal-fetal medicine, otorhinolaryngology, environmental health, neuroscience, psychiatry, and radiology, as well as presentations at national and international conferences. The team also integrated information from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and several other institutional and journalistic sources.

The policy identifies that pediatricians can ensure children and parents understand the hazard of noise exposure, and that both volume and duration of noise are significant. In addition to providing guidance on preventing excessive noise exposure, pediatricians can advise on protective measures from providing guidelines on the use of personal listening devices to suggesting the use of ear protection at loud events or during noisy recreational activities.

Additionally, through advocacy and policy, pediatricians can influence the noise burden within their institutions. When new facilities or equipment are being considered, they can ensure sound levels are included in evaluation and decision making.

Across the board, pediatricians have an opportunity to increase awareness of excessive noise as a health concern, identifying special considerations for specific situations and advocating for noise monitoring and evaluation.

This policy equips pediatricians with practical tactics they can utilize in the exam room, the boardroom and the medical community to increase awareness of and mitigate noise hazards. The policy also identifies recommendations for the public health community, governments, and others to raise awareness of noise hazards and create safe listening environments at a societal level.