Growing ears of babies and toddlers are susceptible to damage. Ears and hearing develop significantly in the first few years after birth. Providing hearing protection, especially at a young age, helps to ensure optimal hearing as your child grows.
Loud Sounds Are Even Louder for Kids
Infants and young children are more sensitive to loud noises than adults are. Because the ear canal is smaller in children, the sound pressure that is generated in the ears is greater compared to adults. In other words, loud sounds are even louder for kids.
How Loud is Too Loud?
Hearing damage due to noise exposure is permanent and cumulative. It is important to monitor your child’s surroundings for noise exposure that exceeds recommended levels. Sounds are measured in decibels (dB). Safe sound levels vary based on the duration of exposure. In general, noises softer than 80 dB will not damage hearing unless the exposure lasts for several hours.
Possible Hearing Hazards for Children
- Loud toys
- Television volume
- Events such as festivals, sports events, concerts
- Firework displays
- White noise sleep machines
- Household appliances (vacuum, hair dryer, blender)
Toys
Noise-making toys are popular. Some of these toys can produce sounds in excess of 120 dB. If possible, listen to toys before purchasing to see if the sounds are too loud. Remove the batteries from toys with excessive noise levels. Because children play with toys much closer to their faces and ears, even sounds in the 80-90 dB range can be damaging.
White Noise Sleep Machines
The amount of time an infant is exposed to sound is important. If you’re using an infant sleep machine, test the sound output before leaving it in a room with a sleeping child, and use the lowest volume setting possible. Additionally, parents should place the machine as far from the baby’s crib or bed as possible.
Ways to Protect Infant Hearing
Ear Muffs or Noise Cancelling Headphones
A simple internet search will show numerous vendors with earmuffs and noise cancelling headphones for babies and children. These are small enough to fit snugly on a child’s head.
Custom Earplugs
Personal custom hearing protection for children is also available and recommended over ear plugs. Personal custom hearing protection (dB Blockers) are made for the child’s ear exactly. Learn about How we make dB Blockers.
We Care about Noise Sensitivity
Brie is a vibrant young girl living with a mild case of autism, and Custom Protect Ear is happy to help her manage her sensitivity to noise. Brie is a proud owner of her own personalized dB Blockers that assist her in coping with noise in her environment. Learn More
