The holidays are fast approaching. While we really don’t want to think about it yet, I would like you to think about noise level when purchasing toys for children.
Many toys have noise to make them more interesting. Anything from a squeaky toy to drums to an electronic device can have sounds that can damage hearing.
Infants and toddlers hold toys right up to their faces. While the toy may not seem too loud when held at arm’s length, it may be too loud when held close to the face. The last thing we want to do, is give a small child a hearing loss.
Older children with MP3 players, gaming devices and other toys are at risk. Most of us turn our MP3 players up way too loud. There are ear buds available for small children that won’t allow damaging levels. Ear buds should be worn for no more than one hour a day and you should be able to carry on a conversation while using an MP3 player.
I hope you have happy and safe holidays this year. If you have questions about protecting your family’s hearing, give us a call at 727-323-2471.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help, if you have any questions about your hearing feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471.