International Noise Awareness Day
Noise-induced hearing loss in children is a serious issue because it affects their speech, language, cognitive, social and emotional development. Continuous exposure to noise above 85 decibels (approximately the noise level of city traffic) will gradually lead to hearing loss. Inside our ears are many tiny structures called hair cells that help us hear. Over time, loud noise can damage these cells, and once damaged, they cannot be repaired. This is why it is very important to start protecting our children’s hearing from an early age.
Some toys are not as fun as they seem. Many toys designed for children can produce loud sounds. For babies and children, whose arms are shorter than adults’ and who therefore bring toys close to their small, sensitive ears, the risk is even greater.
Listen to a toy before buying it. If it sounds loud, do not buy it!
Encourage children to turn down the volume on the television, radio or computer, avoid or limit exposure to noisy films and video games, and lower the volume on personal audio devices used with headphones. MP3 players and smartphones are known to produce sound levels reaching 100–110 decibels. Children who listen to music at this volume for several hours a day will certainly experience hearing problems in the future.
Reading to young children helps develop their reading skills and strengthens the close relationship between parents and children. Encourage children of all ages to read books. Buy them quiet educational toys, puzzles, construction sets and card games that allow them to learn through play in quiet, creative environments. Organise visits to libraries and museums, and quiet outings with family and friends. Avoid stadiums, sports venues and concerts with very high noise levels. During pregnancy, try to avoid bringing your body into contact with the source of noise (that is, vibration).
Rule: If you have to shout for children nearby to hear you, the noise is too loud and is damaging everyone’s hearing. Look for warning signs generally associated with hearing loss, and if you have any questions about your child’s hearing, discuss them with your paediatrician or a specialist paediatric ENT doctor.
Signs in infants: no response to loud sounds; not turning towards the source of a sound after 6 months; not saying single words such as “daddy” or “mummy” by 1 year; turning their head when they see you but not when you call their name; appearing to hear some sounds but not others.
Signs in children: delayed speech, unclear speech, not following instructions, frequently saying “what?”, and increasing the volume on the television or other audio devices.
As parents, we must pay attention to our children’s noise exposure and teach them to do the same.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it can be prevented!
Take the right steps to preserve your child’s hearing!
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