Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

According to research from the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults worldwide are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, or hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud noise. Between the late ‘80s/early ’90s to the mid-2000s, hearing loss in adolescents increased 31%. Hearing loss is currently increasing at an even faster rate, and the primary culprit is unsafe use of personal listening devices.

Noisy leisure activities and noisy technology are all around us. While we can’t keep kids from being exposed to noise, there are several things parents can do to reduce their children’s risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Loud Toys

Lately, it seems that popular toys from books to cars to farms make noise. Many toys made for infants and toddlers are even loud enough to damage children’s hearing. This is especially noteworthy, as young children tend to hold objects close to their faces and ears.

• Remove the batteries. Does your child’s animal puzzle really need to make animal noises? If not, remove the batteries to make a more traditional toy.
• Muffle the sound. If you or your child strongly prefer some sound, a piece of tape over the speaker can go a long way towards making the toy safer.
• Make your own sound effects. Encourage your kids to make their own sound effects, too! Toys are more fun when you interact together, and any sounds you make are likely to be at a safer volume.
• Swap your choice. When buying a new toy, take a second to listen to the volume of it’s sounds. If you think that it’s too loud, consider choosing a quieter toy instead. If you already own noisy toys, rotate them with quieter toys.

Noisy technology

Technology is accessible for children of all ages. Practice safe listening when listening to music, when wearing headphones, or when using smart devices.

• Turn it down. Generally, keeping the volume halfway is a good rule of thumb. If your child can’t hear you from an arm’s length away, the device is turned up too loud.
• Limit listening time. Children should be listening to technological noise for less than 40 hours per week. They should also take listening breaks, even if it’s only for a few minutes an hour. Like other parts of our bodies, ears need rest.
• Choose carefully. Some products may help with volume control. Noise-cancelling headphones are often a good choice, as children don’t feel the need to turn the volume up to compensate for external noise. Additionally, some “child safe” headphones limit sound output, and are specifically made for small ears to reduce noise leakage.
• Model safe listening habits. Practice what you preach! Your kids are more likely to value their hearing and adhere to safe listening practices if they see you doing the same.

Loud Environments

Loud environments span all seasons and all age groups. Concerts, firework celebrations, restaurants, sporting events, and parties can all go hand in hand with unsafe listening volumes.

• Use hearing protection. Ear plugs are a discreet and cost-effective way to preserve your child’s hearing without detracting from the fun at hand.
• Sit strategically. Don’t let your children sit near speakers, instruments, or other objects that emit loud noises. Adjust your location as needed.
• Take breaks. As with when using technological devices, our ears need breaks when we are in noisy environments. Have your children step outside or into a quiet room for a few minutes before heading back to enjoy the fun.
• Know the limits. If your child covers their ears or complains of discomfort, leave the noisy environment. Ear pain and ringing are clear signs that their ears are overwhelmed.

Early intervention is key when addressing a hearing loss; if untreated, it can impact a child’s speech and language development, social skills, and academic achievements. If you suspect that your child might have a hearing loss, get them tested by a licensed and certified audiologist as soon as possible. Not sure who to call? Contact The Speech Studio for a list of recommended professionals.