700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Gina Hounam, PhD

Posted by: Gina Hounam, PhD on Feb 24, 2026

Fireworks are a fun part of Independence Day—but the loud booms can put your child’s hearing at risk. Learn how loud is too loud, why distance and hearing protection matter, and what signs to watch for after noisy events so your family can enjoy the show safely.

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Infant Sleep Machines May Damage Hearing
Sleep machines can help babies rest — but some may play sounds too loudly for tiny ears. Learn what research shows about infant hearing risks and how to choose safer sleep sound options for your child.
Child with headphones on.
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Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
Before babies are born, they use their hearing to listen to the sounds around them. Listening specifically to speech and language sounds in the first few months of their life is what prepares babies to speak.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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