AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS Committee on Environmental Health Noise: A Hazard for the Fetus and Newborn

Noise is ubiquitous in our environment. High intensities of noise have been associated with numerous health effects in adults, including noise-induced hearing loss and high blood pressure. The intent of this statement is to provide pediatricians and others with information on the potential health effects of noise on the fetus and newborn. The information presented here supports a number of recommendations for both pediatric practice and government policy. ABBREVIATIONS. dB, decibels; dBA, A-weight; DNL, day-night average sound level; ICD-9, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision; dBALeq24, personal equivalent 24-hour noise exposure; NICU, neonatal intensive care unit; IEC, individualized environmental care; EEG, electroencephalogram.