It’s important to keep your child’s hearing safe, especially when it comes to their favorite toys. Many toys can produce sound levels that may not seem loud to adults but could be damaging to young ears if played with for extended periods. If a toy is played with for more than eight hours a day, it should not exceed 85 decibels (dB)—about the volume of heavy traffic or a noisy café.
Why Toys May Sound Louder to Children
Remember, toys that don’t seem loud to you could be much louder for your child. Children tend to hold toys closer to their ears due to their shorter arms, and many young children may even hold toys with speakers right up to their faces. This proximity amplifies the sound, making it potentially harmful.
Tips to Protect Your Child’s Hearing from Loud Toys
Here are some tips to help you safeguard your child’s hearing:
- Choose Toys with Volume Controls: Look for toys that allow you to adjust the volume. Keeping the sound at a lower level helps reduce the risk of hearing damage.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Encourage your child to hold toys at least 10 inches away from their face, especially if the toy has sound features. This helps minimize the noise exposure directly near their ears.
- Use Sound-Dampening Methods: You can reduce the volume of toys by placing a piece of clear packing tape over the speaker. Studies have shown that this simple trick can lower the sound pressure from toys by up to 16 dB, making them safer for prolonged play.
- Limit Playtime with Noisy Toys: Try to limit the amount of time your child spends with particularly loud toys. Even at safe volumes, extended exposure can still strain young ears.
- Opt for Quieter Alternatives: When possible, opt for quieter toys that engage your child without excessive noise. There are plenty of educational and fun options that don’t involve loud sound effects.
- Monitor Play: Keep an ear out while your child plays with noisy toys. If it starts to sound too loud, it may be time to step in and encourage a break or switch to a quieter toy.
What to Do If a Toy is Too Loud
If your child has a toy that is too loud, but you don’t want to take it away, you have some options. You can remove the batteries if the toy’s sound isn’t critical to play. Alternatively, adjusting the distance they hold it from their face or applying sound-dampening measures like tape can make a big difference.
For more advice on how to protect your child’s hearing or to schedule a hearing exam, reach out to Amarillo Hearing Clinic today.
