Whilst little research has been conducted into the effects of loud noise on an unborn baby, some argue that all expectant mothers should play it safe. It’s best to avoid frequent exposure to loud music at concerts, or in pubs/clubs and especially avoid regular noise/music in small enclosed spaces, like a car.
Expectant mothers who work in loud workplaces or are exposed to heavy vibrations (as a result of loud noise) should especially take care to avoid exposing their unborn baby to the loud noise. More research needs to be conducted on the effects of loud noise on unborn babies. At this stage, it is probably better to play it safe than sorry.
For parents of toddlers it’s important to understand the safe levels of noise exposure. Visit the ‘how loud is loud?’ page for more information and have some earplugs on hand when going to a concert or anywhere you anticipate could have loud music. Educating your child about how loud noise and loud music can permanently damage hearing will also set them on the right track for taking steps to protect their hearing.
American research has found in one study that the percentage of second graders with hearing loss had increased 2.8 times (280%) over a 10-year period, and the percentage of eighth graders increased over 4.0 times (400%) during the same period.*
