CELEBRITY HEALTH: Noisy Toys Can Cause Hearing Loss

Any mom who has had to endure her kid playing with a noisy toy in the back seat of a car will tell you it’s no joy ride. Now there’s evidence that it’s not safe for your child, either. A new study from UC Irvine’s Department of Otolaryngology tested over two dozen popular toys on the market. They found that all exceeded 90 decibels or more.

If you’re not sure how loud that is, that’s equivalent to the noise of a chain saw, subway train or power mower.

In most instances, it’s safe if the child plays with the toys properly. But virtually no child plays with a toy “properly.” The result: A child holding a toy too close to his ears can suffer permanent hearing loss.

But what do you do if your kid really wants Let’s Rock Elmo? Experts say to take note of the speaker’s location; on the bottom is better than the top. And hold the toy to your own ear—if the sounds are too loud for you, then it’s too loud for your child, too. 

 

Comments

[Phonak Hearing Aids]

It is a well researched and well known fact that prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause damage to the structure of the ear and can cause permanent levels of hearing loss in humans. Especially when considering the way children’s hearing works, the cumulative effects of loud noises throughout their childhood can cause devastating damage to their ability to hear. Thanks.