Do Children's Toys Make Too Much Noise?

It’s important to be aware that hearing loss can occur at any age. Parents, grandparents, and guardians should monitor their child’s listening routines and volume levels on toys and other electronic devices. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only preventable type of hearing loss. 

What to Look out for in Children's Toys

Toys with sirens and rubber toys that squeak and squeal can produce noises that reach up to 90 decibels (dB). That’s as loud as a gas-powered lawnmower or a subway train. This can harm a child’s hearing, especially if they are exposed to this noise for an extensive amount of time. Workers who are exposed to environments with these similar noise levels should wear earplugs or industrial-grade ear muffs.   

Toys that reach up to 90 dB can actually be more dangerous because children have a tendency to hold the toy directly by their ears. As a result, the toy can expose the child to 120 dB of sound. That level of noise is equivalent to the sound of a jet plane lifting up into the air. This frequency of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss.   

A child’s risk of hearing loss can increase if they take medication that influences hearing health. Some medications include chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin, and certain antibiotics that are placed in their IV. 

Toys that Expose Risks 

Here’s a list of certain toys that can endanger your child’s hearing:

• cap guns
• musical instruments
• talking dolls
• toy vacuum cleaners
• toys with cranks
• vehicles that feature horns and sirens
• walkie talkies

Being careful about dangerous noise levels in toys should be as important as checking for small parts on a toy that your child or grandchild can swallow.

Listen to a toy before purchasing it. If the sounds are too loud do not purchase them. You can easily download a decibel meter app onto your smartphone and measure the sounds. Safe listening levels for babies are 60 dB or lower, and 82 dB or lower for children.       

Test the toys that are already in your home. If necessary, remove batteries or get rid of toys that are too loud.

If you or a family member are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aids that can be tailored and programmed for your specific needs. 

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