’Tis the Season for Hearing Protection

Noisy Holiday Events and Popular Gifts Pose Risks to Young Ears

The year-end holiday season is a time of cheer, but according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), it’s also a time for excessive noise. Loud holiday parties and concerts, as well as many popular holiday gifts, can sometimes reach dangerous sound levels. When a child is exposed to sounds that are too loud—for too often or for too long—this can cause hearing loss.

The good news, according to ASHA, is that it’s easy to protect your child’s hearing.

Globally, the World Health Organization says that more than 1 billion young people (12–35 years old) are at risk for hearing loss from noisy leisure activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics also sounded the alarm on excessive noise exposure for children of all ages recently, naming this as a serious public health threat. They flagged products from white-noise machines to personal listening devices.

Unlike some other forms of hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. However, once it occurs, it is irreversible. Roughly 15% of school-age children (ages 6–19 years) in the United States have hearing loss in one or both ears. Left unaddressed, hearing loss can result in academic, social, and behavioral problems.

Below are some common sources of noise during the holidays, along with ASHA’s tips for hearing protection. tips for hearing protection from ASHA.

Noisy Toys

Toy cars and firetrucks, talking and singing dolls, and play phones and remotes are just some of the electronic toys that can reach unsafe sound levels. Here are some ways that parents and caregivers can protect their child’s hearing:

• Swap noisy toys with “classic” ones. Young children don’t need electronic toys that make noise. Blocks, puppets, puzzles, and board books are great alternatives. These toys won’t pose risks to a child’s hearing—and they even help children build their imaginations and boost brain development. Parents will also save themselves the money and the hassle of changing batteries!
• Listen first. Before giving an electronic toy to a child, pay close attention to the volume. Does it sound too loud? If so, consider returning or exchanging the toy before your child gets too attached to it. Better yet, if you’re shopping in a store, listen before you buy.
• Place tape over the speaker. This is an easy and effective way to reduce the sound of toys you already have that are too loud. Everyday masking tape works just fine.

Noisy Technology

Earbuds and headphones, tablets and smartphones, and other electronic gifts (e.g., gaming consoles, karaoke machines) all can reach dangerously high sound levels. Adults should monitor the volume for children of all ages. As a general rule, have them keep devices to half volume or less. Also have children take listening breaks every hour, especially when using earbuds or headphones. Even a few minutes of quiet will help their ears recover.

In addition, here are some helpful features to look for when purchasing technology gifts:

• Noise-canceling capabilities. Noise-canceling earbuds and headphones can help reduce external noise. This makes it easier for kids to hear their videos or music without cranking the volume too high.
• Proper fit. A set of earbuds and headphones that fit snugly on the ear can help prevent sound leakage, which is the amount of sound that escapes earbuds or headphones. If sound leakage is minimal, there is less need to turn up the volume. Look for age-appropriate options.
• Volume-limiting products. You may see headphones and other electronics marketed as “kid safe” because they cap the maximum sound output at a lower volume than typical. However, some of these products still exceed a safe listening volume of 75 decibels. Read the product descriptions carefully. Also, check product review websites, and listen yourself to decide if it sounds too loud.

Noisy Events

Holiday parties, concerts, shows, and sporting events often exceed safe noise levels. Below are some easy ways to protect your child (and yourself) while still enjoying these events:

• Wear hearing protection. Basic earplugs offer good protection for most teens and adults. These are commonly sold in drugstores and online. Children should wear well-fitting earmuffs instead of earplugs, as earplugs can be a choking hazard for young children.
• Keep a safe distance. Stand at least 500 feet away from noise sources, such as a speaker or a stage. People who play an instrument or attend loud events regularly should buy a set of musician’s earplugs. You can also order a set of custom earplugs from an audiologist.
• Download a sound-level meter app. There are many free apps that can measure noise. Some smartwatches and phones automatically alert people when they are in a loud space.
• Know your limits. If you or your child is experiencing ringing or any other pain in the ear, listen to your body and leave the noisy situation.

Remember to talk to your children about why hearing protection is important: it will let them continue to enjoy their shows, music, and conversations for years to come. Families should also learn the signs of hearing loss and reach out to a certified audiologist for an evaluation if they ever have concerns about their child’s hearing. Find a professional, and learn more, at www.asha.org/public/.