Swings + Roundabouts Winter 2021

According to Oxford Dictionaries, white noise contains many frequencies with equal intensities. White noise refers to sounds that mask other sounds that might occur naturally in an environment. Sometimes specific sounds, for example a heartbeat, the sound of rain or bubbles, are used to encourage sleep regardless of environmental noises. Healthline.com refers to a small 1990s study that found that there might be benefits in using white noise sounds to help babies fall asleep. However, not all children respond to white noise or may even respond negatively to it. On the other hand, an infant might become overly reliant on white noise and not be able to drop off to sleep without background sounds at all. There are no longitudinal or large-scale studies on the topic of using white noise with young children available. From a child development perspective, it may be worth considering that most children learn how to go to sleep and a ‘method’ that works with one child does not automatically work for the next child. White noise may work with some children, but by no means for all. The biggest issue is that the background noise might exceed safe levels, i.e. generate noise above 50 decibels. It is extremely important that noise emitters are below the safety limit and placed at a safe distance from the infant or child. Exposure to excessive noise levels at an early age may result in hearing loss (https:// www.healthline.com/health/parenting/ OTHER NOISE MONITORING OPTIONS: ● ● https://www.creativeclassrooms.co.nz/classroom-sound-meter. html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpdqDBhCSARIsAEUJ0hNiyo6mRfT3KiPJczLAfNBM9QGS9lsxRb_rPoZ2QOmGoQ9XsRDX-_MaAkv9EALw_wcB ● ● https://www.desertcart.nz/products/2535309-yacker-tracker-original-by-agi-traffic-light-sound-monitor From OfficeMax: There are some easy ways to monitor and manage noise levels in your centre. These include free smart phone apps (search “Decibel Meter”) that can help you determine the current noise levels in you centre and the use of soft materials on walls (Google search “egg crate foam” for a range of locally available options. This is an easy to install, low-cost way to absorb noise). WHAT IS ‘WHITE NOISE’? white-noise-for-babies). Not surprisingly, providers of white noise generators, apps and the like are espousing the benefits of white noise. There is no advice on the NZ Ministry of Health website regarding white noise, but there is clear advice regarding the importance of protecting little ones’ hearing and to avoid excessive noise at all costs. A 2014 stuff article (https://www. stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/baby/ products/9788773/Can-white-noise- machines-be-harmful-to-babies-ears) reports that many of the white noise generators on the market were so loud as to be dangerous to children’s hearing. The recommended 50 decibels are estimated to be the equivalent of a dishwasher running in the next room. However, generally the source of “background” noises used by parents was a microphone that was placed within the vicinity of babies’ cribs and emitted up to 85 decibels. In summary, there are no reliable studies that support manufacturers’ claims of white noise being the answer to parents’ prayers. White noise used in the context of early childhood education should come with a health warning as it may pose a risk to children’s hearing. If you believe white or general noise at your centre is an issue, you may wish to ensure this is added to your hazard and risk register with details on how you manage your noise levels. June 2021 { 24 }