20-day-old baby dies following exposure to blaring DJ music: Safe sound thresholds for newborns

In Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, a 20-day-old infant died after being exposed to blaring DJ music as part of an idol immersion procession for Lakshmi Puja. The incident is said to have occurred after the family requested the operators to lower the sound or move on. The child's heartbeat stopped, and she stopped responding amid the loud music. The relatives rushed her to a nearby hospital, and there, the doctors declared her dead. Police have seized the vehicle and equipment, and detained the DJ operator. The family claimed that the newborn lost her life due to inconsiderate celebratory frenzy and a lack of restrictions on sound decibels in such settings. 

How much sound can newborns take?
According to the Indian Paediatrics, the monthly medical journal of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, excessive noise can be a health hazard for children. They should only be exposed to noise levels under 45 dB. It is similar to the sound level of a quiet conversation, an office environment or moderate rainfall. Noises above that can stress newborns with increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory issues and even damage their cochlea or disrupt sleep cycles. A noisy DJ sound system can have noise levels between 95 and 102 dB, approximately. 

Ways to protect newborns from sound pollution
If you are in an environment where there is no control over the loud environment, here are a few steps to protect their health:
a) Use infant earmuffs 
b) As noise-induced damage also depends on time and volume, take steps to limit the time of exposure.
c) Watch for signs of stress triggered by noise in the baby - startling, fussiness, and splayed fingers are some of the signs. 
d) Use heavy curtains and soft furnishings like rugs in the child's nursery to soften sharp sounds from outside.
e) As far as possible, ensure that the nursery is located away from possible sources of loud noises.