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Brief report: sound output of infant humidifiers

Allison K Royer1, Paul F Wilson2, Mark C Royer3

  • 1Columbus Regional Health, Columbus, Indiana, USA aroyer@crh.org.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|April 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Some infant humidifiers produce high sound pressure levels (SPLs), potentially exceeding safe infant nursery limits. Further research is needed to assess hearing risks associated with these devices.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Audiology

Background:

  • Infant humidifiers are commonly used in nurseries.
  • Assessing the acoustic environment for infants is crucial for development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure the sound pressure levels (SPLs) of common infant humidifiers.
  • To determine potential sound exposure risks for infants and young children.

Main Methods:

  • Five commercial infant humidifiers were tested.
  • Sound levels were measured at 20, 100, and 150 cm at various settings.
  • Measurements were taken in an audiology laboratory.

Main Results:

  • Two of five (40%) humidifiers exceeded recommended infant nursery sound levels (50 dB) up to 100 cm.
  • High decibel levels were observed in some infant-marketed humidifiers.

Conclusions:

  • Infant humidifiers can generate significant sound pressure levels.
  • Further studies are required to understand the impact of humidifier design on SPLs and associated hearing risks.

Keywords:
humidifierinfant equipmentnoisesleepsound pressure levels

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