Even more alarming, is the increasing incidence of hearing loss among our youth. Noise-induced hearing loss typically occurs gradually, and for our children, who are exposed to an onslaught of noise at home, in recreational activities and in the community, the risk can be widespread. But noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. For the child whose ears are particularly vulnerable to noise, it is never too early to consider the need for hearing conservation. It is not just noise from factory machinery, aircraft or loud music that can be damaging to hearing.
Many toys designed to stimulate our children can be dangerously loud.
For the infant or child who most typically listens to these toys close to the small, sensitive ear, the risk is even greater. Just as a parent is educated not to give a young child a toy with small piece, so too must the parent become educated about the dangers of many loud toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has indicated that it does not currently have regulations that address the loudness of toys. In general, the louder the sound, the less time required before hearing will be affected. To avoid noise-induced hearing loss, OSHA recommends that hearing protection be worn in the workplace when loudness levels and exposure time exceed the allowable standards.