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Noisy Toys
Toys can be very noisy and sometimes can be a direct danger to your child's hearing; for example, some toy cap guns can reach decibel levels of 110 to 135, a level of noise similar to a rock concert or a jet take off.
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dBs). To know if a sound is loud enough to damage a child's hearing, it is important to know the level of intensity (in dB's) and the length of exposure to the sound. The higher the decibel level above what is considered safe and the longer time exposed to the noise (85dB for 8 hours), the more likely it will harm your child's health. Generally, for every 3 dB increase you must cut the duration of the exposure by half (ex., 88dB should be limited to 4 hours, 91dB for 2 hours, etc.)
Portable sound level meters are often available at higher end music and electronic stores.
The following is a chart showing you some typical noise sources, their dB level, and their safe exposure durations.
<colour graphic of hearing damage threshold, noise sources, and duration>
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Children are especially at risk to noise because their bodies are still developing. The risk depends on the loudness of the noise level at the child's ear and how long the child is exposed to the noise.
Rule of Thumb: If you have to raise your voice above the noise level to be heard, the sound is too loud.
How Does Playing with Toys Cause Hearing Loss?
Young children will often bring toys close to their face and ears as part of the learning process. This can increase the risk of harm to their small and sensitive ears if the toy was designed to be held further away from the body during play. Sound volume dissipates as it travels away from its source; therefore, bringing it closer to the ears will have the effect of making it louder.
Very loud noises such as that from a whistle or cap gun can instantly and permanently damage a child's hearing, especially if held close to the ear.
Popular Noisy Toys
| |
dB Level * |
|
dB Level * |
| Toy cap gun |
105 - 110 |
CD player |
97 - 103 |
| Whistle |
106 |
Police car |
96 |
| Keyboard |
104 |
Xylophone |
92 |
| Drum |
103 |
Rattle |
102 | * peak dB levels, measurements taken by the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres
These sound measurements are based on a toy being held at a distance of 25 centimeters from the body. Although not all toys are this loud, the risk depends on the noise level, how the toy is used, and the amount of daily exposure to the toy. Too much noise can affect your children's ability to understand what is said to them, how to speak, and how to do tasks.
The National Coalition on Noisy Toys suggests that when making toy purchases, parents give preference to toys equipped with a volume button and an on/off button, limit the amount of time young children spend with battery-operated toys, find ways of lowering the volume (by using tape to cover the loudspeaker, for example) and remove the batteries.
What Does the Law Say?
Decibel levels for toys are measured based on intended use. Toys that emit over 100dB held at a child’s arm-length are banned by Health Canada under the Hazardous Products Act. (Regulations in the US and Europe are 70 dB and 80 dB at the ear, respectively.)
Teach your children to protect themselves
- Encourage children to keep the volume adjusted low
- Encourage quieter games and activities; substitute loud activities with quiet toys and games
- Teach your children about the potential damage to their ears from noise.
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