Your child’s health and safety are your priorities. But when it comes to hearing health, it’s easy to overlook.
The problem is loud noise. Even a brief exposure can permanently damage hearing in anyone, regardless of age. However, children’s developing ears are more vulnerable to noise-induced damage than adult ears.
- Beware of sound exceeding 85 decibels because it can damage developing and mature ears. Noisy restaurants, gas-powered lawnmowers and leafblowers, sporting events, and the volume too high on any device are common threats.
- Rule of thumb noise test: If you have to shout to talk to someone three feet away, it’s too loud (the noise level is greater than 85 decibels). Put hearing protection on yourself and your child.
Why it matters
Protecting your child’s hearing prevents hearing loss from interfering with their—
- Speech and language acquisition
- Spoken communication
- Social and cognitive development
- Mental health
- Educational success
How to protect young (and older) ears
- Turn down the volume on devices
- Limit the time spent on loud electronics—music players, video games, TVs, and especially headphones.
- Use built-in volume limiters on smartphones and tablets.
- Maintain distance from speakers at events.
- Equip your child with hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are both effective.
- For earmuffs, look for child-sized options with a noise-reduction rating of 30 decibels or more.
- For earplugs, select ones for children’s ears and follow instructions for using them to ensure their effectiveness.
Swimmer’s ear infections? Specialized earplugs are designed to prevent swimmers’ ear infections.
Can’t avoid high noise?
Attending concerts, shows, or sporting events as a family can still be safe for your child’s hearing.
- Reserve less noisy seating.
- Before you go: Explain and practice wearing hearing protection.
- At the event: Monitor noise levels with a phone app or use the rule of thumb noise test: If conversation requires shouting, put on hearing protection.
Regular hearing screenings
Children’s hearing problems are most responsive to treatment when caught early. For early detection, pediatric audiologists are invaluable.
- Schedule regular screenings because early detection is critical to treatment success.
- Schedule an appointment with a pediatric audiologist whenever you suspect your child has difficulty hearing.
Protect hearing to preserve it
Protecting your children’s hearing from excessive noise prevents hearing loss from undermining their physical, cognitive, and psychological development. You also reduce the many health risks associated with adult hearing loss.
Need help?
Call us if you're in our service area and want to speak with an audiologist about children’s hearing. We'll make an appointment for an office visit or telephone consultation.
Crest Hill, IL - 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills, IL - 708-599-9500
