Devices To Prevent Hearing Loss in Children
Protect Your Kids’ Ears with These New Listening Devices
Kids today are so addicted to their music devices they’re known as the MP3 Generation. Parents are concerned that all that loud music is doing long-term damage to their children’s hearing. Unlike the Walkman Generation of the 1980s, the youth of today is at higher risk for hearing loss because modern music players have longer battery life, and studies have shown that the amount of time sensitive structures in the inner ear are exposed to loud noises is as much a factor in hearing loss as the volume.
According to the American Academy of Audiology, more than 5 million kids ages 6 to 19 in the United States report noise-induced hearing loss. A 2006 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association study revealed that more than half of high school students surveyed reported at least one symptom of hearing loss.
With children as young as age 3 plugging their tiny ears into MP3 players, it’s important to know there are some new products to help curb the hearing damage that could occur.
Maxell Kids Safe Headphones and Kids Safe Ear Clips
Maxell Corporation recently released new headphones and ear clips designed to keep listening levels below 90 decibels. These devices comply with ASHA-OSHA and NIOSH recommended safety limits and come in a variety of kid-friendly colors. ($12.99)
iHearSafe Safe Volume Earbuds and Headphones
iHearSafe and its award-winning technology was founded by a mom who was concerned about the volume of her children’s music devices. It can be used with any audio device and will keep the volume below 85 decibels, which is the acceptable level set by the National Institute of Health and Safety and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ($19.99 to $24.99)
Safe Sound Portable Speakers
These are tiny MP3 speakers that clip onto clothing as an alternative to earbuds and headphones. Because they do not go inside the ear canal, there is very little risk of hearing loss, and listeners can be more aware of their surroundings. ($19.95)
Other Tips to Prevent Hearing Damage
Encourage children to turn down the volume of their devices until they can hear a person speaking nearby. Also have them take frequent breaks from listening to their music players. More information can be found at the American Academy of Audioloy’s Turn It to the Left campaign Web site.
It’s important to remember that noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, and it doesn’t require special devices. Be aware of your children’s listening habits, and teach them about hearing health in the same way you would teach them about nutrition and exercise. With knowledge and action, early hearing loss can be avoided.
Resources used in this article:
Farrell, Jodi Mailander. “Long, loud iPod use now can become hearing loss later.” McClatchy Newspapers, Dec. 23, 2008.
Protect Kids' Ears from Hearing Loss
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Partners & Parents
Latest Articles