Noisy toys and MP3 players may cause noise-induced hearing loss in children. But you can do something to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

The incidence of noise-induced hearing loss among American children is on the rise.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in the US, the number of Americans aged 3 and older with hearing loss has more than doubled since 1971. Recent data indicates that over 12% of children between the ages of 6-19 and over 15% of children between the ages of 12-19 have noise-induced hearing loss.

The reason for this may be that today’s children are surrounded by noise. But you can do something to prevent your child getting a noise-induced hearing loss.

Any sound above 85dB can cause hearing loss over time. The louder it is, the less time it takes to cause damage.

Common sense

When buying toys, use your common sense and do a listening check yourself. Hold the toy close to your ear and take a listen. If it is too loud for you, it is definitely too loud for your child. Look for toys that have volume control features or an option to mute.

Many surveys have also shown that MP3 players such as iPods can pose a threat to children’s ears and hearing when the volume control is turned up.

Source: www.democratandchronicle.com