What Did You Say about Headphones? Why Should You Protect Your Child From Loud Noises..
Take a moment, right now, to notice all of the sounds you can hear. It could be people talking, car engines, or even something low-level and relaxing, like a fire crackling. You may be surprised to notice how much “background” noise we filter out every day.
The point is, we’re surrounded by some level of noise all the time. Our sense of hearing can be something we occasionally take for granted.
However, if the noises that surround us regularly reach harmful levels, we can damage our hearing. This can cause serious, irreversible damage.
Headphones for kids are a great idea and we all should invest in a pair of headphones. However, children are learning to understand what is and isn’t good for them, so do not give them headphones without understanding the dangers.
Children’s hearing is especially vulnerable to damage. Kids often don’t understand why volume control is important, happily turning up the volume on their TV or music device.
So, let’s discuss the importance of protecting your child from loud noises, and more importantly, how you can keep them safe.
Signs Your Child Could be Suffering From Hearing Loss
Hearing loss in children can often seem like straightforward naughtiness. While you need a professional to assess your child’s hearing, there are a few warning signs you can look out for:
No response when you call your child
Unaware of background noise
Turning the TV up to a high volume (or turning up the volume for their music or audio programs)
Behavior changes (confusion and frustration from being unable to hear)
Difficulty concentrating
Once again, if you’re concerned about your child’s hearing, consult a medical professional. Prevention is better than a cure, so if possible, protect your child’s hearing now before problems can begin to develop.
Noises that Can Damage Your Child’s Hearing
It’s virtually impossible to go through life avoiding all loud noises. However, noises above a certain decibel level can especially cause damage over time and should be avoided.
Here are a few activities that can produce sound loud enough to gradually damage hearing – both yours and your childs.
Shooting events
Gunshots can be incredibly loud. A shot at close range can immediately and permanently damage a person’s hearing.
Music concerts, fireworks, and auto events
That’s not to say these things aren’t fun! Occasionally attending something like this should be fine. If you’re worried, provide hearing protectors for your child.
Riding loud vehicles, like tractors or dirt bikes
Try not to bring your child along with you while you operate these vehicles. Alternatively, use hearing protectors.
High audio volumes from TV, mobile devices, or more
Especially if your children use headphones, be sure to keep an eye on the volume levels.
How Can You Protect Your Child From Loud Noises
If you need to attend a loud event and you’re concerned about your child’s ears, hearing protectors are a great way to keep them safe.
Hearing protectors come in a variety of different forms, ranging from simple earplugs to earmuff headsets.
Monitoring your child’s use of headphones is also important. Using headphones, whether they’re in-ear or over-ear designs, can cause ear fatigue. This means the ears get sore. Also, remember that the headphones are funneling sound directly into your child’s ears. Overuse of headphones and loud music are a leading cause of gradual hearing loss.
You can use volume limiters to make sure your child isn’t playing their audio too loudly. However, the best thing to do is teach your child the importance of protecting their hearing. Once your child understands when “loud” becomes “too loud”, they can help to protect their own hearing.
This might involve sitting down with your child and having a frank conversation. Getting your kids to understand the reasoning behind why the TV is turned down low might take some time, but it will be worth it.
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