The resounding answer: YES.
According to Dr. Ronald Hoffman from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, any sound machine exceeding 85 decibels could potentially damage your child’s delicate hearing.
Consider this: in workplaces, employees exposed to consistent noise levels exceeding 85 decibels are mandated to wear hearing protectors. So, how safe is your child’s sleep aid, especially if it runs throughout the night?
The detrimental effects of noise accumulate over time. Exposure to loud sounds, particularly on a regular basis, increases the risk of permanent damage. Even a single prolonged loud event can have lasting consequences. Sounds that sit around 70 dBA are generally deemed safe, even during extended exposure. However, noises are more likely to cause harm if they:
- Reach 85 dBA and persist for a few hours.
- Hit 100 dBA and last for at least 14 minutes.
- Spike to 110 dBA and endure for a minimum of 2 minutes.
At Glow Dreaming, we prioritise your child’s safety above all else. That’s why we’ve collaborated with esteemed sound engineer Dr. Ir. Stéphane Pigeon from Belgium, renowned for his work with NATO and the Roland Corporation.
If you’re using a sound machine, we strongly urge you to download one of the following decibel meters to assess its safety:
- Decibel X: iOS App Store Link
- Sound Meter & Noise Detector: Google Play Store Link
If the reading exceeds 80 decibels, relocate the machine farther from your child’s bed. Anything surpassing 85 decibels should prompt immediate discontinuation of use.
Glow Dreaming offers three volume settings:
Vol 1: 53.4dB
Vol 2: 61.4dB
Vol 3: 71.9dB
While it might not seem loud enough to you, anything louder poses a significant risk to your child’s hearing.
Regrettably, there are no standardised regulations governing children’s sound machines, and many manufacturers fail to comprehend or adhere to safety limits. Our commitment to scientific understanding and collaboration with experts ensures Glow Dreaming’s success, prioritising not only effectiveness but, more importantly, the safety and well-being of your child.
Please share this vital information with your loved ones. The more individuals who assess their sound machine’s volume, the better protected our children’s hearing will be. 🌟
