Looking for an easy way to understand or explain how hearing and hearing loss works? Join Laila and Brian on their journey of discovery into the dangers of noise.
Topics: easy, noise, hearing, exposure, Loud, preventable, Protection, damage, hearing protection, hearing care, dangerous, ears, Tinnitus, hearing loss, children, protect, hearing exam, Noisy toys, hearing help, what causes hearing loss, hearing loss causes, cause of hearing loss, excessive noise exposure, noise-induced hearing loss, decibel levels, dB levels, hearing screenings, National Audiology Awareness Month, National Protect Your Hearing Month, Audiologists, family & friends, Family member, noise exposure, hearing professional, school, Sound level meter
For most of us, the phrase “sounds of the holiday season” conjures up images of caroling choirs, jingling bells and jolly “ho, ho hos!” We probably don’t consider how some sounds may harm the tender ears of children. In fact, some of the most popular gifts for children may increase their risk of hearing loss. For example, certain battery-powered toy guns can create noise levels between 110 and 135 decibels — similar to the noise levels generated by a heavy truck, a rock concert or an airliner at take-off, according to the nonprofit Better Hearing Institute. Even toys that generate lower sound levels (for example, 85 to 95 decibels) can be harmful when the exposure occurs over an extended period of time. This holiday season, take into account noise levels when shopping for toys. If possible, find out how much noise they produce, and choose toys with lower outputs. A good rule of thumb is this: If it’s too loud for you, it will also be too loud for a child.
Topics: Noisy toys, Keeping hearing healthy over the holidays, Healthy Hearing
This holiday season, stores will be stocked with every imaginable type of toy. Unfortunately, toys that emit noise may increase the risk of hearing loss among our youngest citizens. The loudest offenders include cap guns, talking dolls, vehicles with horns and sirens, walkie-talkies, musical instruments and toys with cranks...
Topics: Noisy toys
