Maluma Live: How Loud is Too Loud for Your Baby’s Ears, Experts Reveal!

MEXICO CITY (apro).— During a performance in Mexico City on August 10, 2025, singer Maluma paused his show to address a situation involving a spectator who had brought a baby to the concert. The artist stopped the concert, which was part of his international tour, to point out the risk of exposing the young child to high noise levels.

During the interruption, Maluma questioned the wisdom of bringing a toddler, roughly a year old, to such a noisy environment. “Do you think it’s a good idea to bring a one-year-old to a concert with such high decibel levels… where the sound is incredibly loud?” Maluma asked from the stage, as captured in videos shared on social media. The singer described the decision as “an act of irresponsibility” and advised the mother to protect the child’s hearing in the future. The audience applauded Maluma’s intervention.

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Child Hearing Health and Noise Levels

The incident has drawn attention to the dangers that loud sounds pose to the developing auditory systems of infants and children. Young children’s auditory systems are particularly susceptible to damage from noise exposure as they are not yet fully developed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that prolonged exposure to noise levels over 70 decibels can lead to hearing damage. Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) state that exposure to 85 decibels for an eight-hour period is the limit for workers. For every increase of three decibels, the safe exposure time is halved.

Concerts and large events often produce noise levels well above these guidelines. Various studies and organizations report that a rock concert or a sports event can reach between 95 and 130 decibels. At 115 decibels, exposure for just 28 seconds can result in hearing loss.

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What is the Safe Limit for an Infant?

Audiologists and pediatricians recommend that noise levels in a baby’s environment should be kept below 50 decibels, especially for extended periods. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that noise levels in neonatal intensive care units should not exceed 45 decibels.

Noise-induced hearing damage occurs when loud sounds impact the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for capturing sound waves. In humans, these cells do not regenerate, making the damage permanent. Exposure to loud noises can not only cause hearing loss but can also affect sleep, language development, stress levels, and even blood pressure in children.

The vulnerability of the auditory system begins before birth. A fetus’ ears develop around the 20th week of gestation and start responding to sounds by the 24th week. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid routine exposure to noise levels above 115 decibels, comparable to the sound of a running chainsaw.

Recommendations for Protecting Hearing

Various health organizations and specialists in pediatric audiology offer recommendations for safeguarding children’s hearing. One key measure is limiting exposure to noisy environments. In situations where noise levels are high, such as at sports events or concerts, it is advisable to use hearing protection like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs specifically designed for children.

Maintaining a good distance from the source of noise is another vital strategy to minimize decibel impact. Experts also recommend controlling the volume of electronic devices at home, such as TVs, radios, and computers. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable; however, once it occurs, the damage is irreversible.