Millions of us are exposed to dangerous noise levels on a daily basis and the situation for our children is not any different. In fact, childrens toys can reach decibel levels nearly as loud as a jet taking off (160 db)! See, they arent just annoying but dangerous to boot!
Things are quite a bit different for our kids than they were for us. Speakers are smaller but louder. Technology such as MP3 players, iPods, handheld gaming devices and tons of little key-chain type critters that blip and bleep are common in todays households. Our lives are busier, noisier and even classrooms are noisier today.
Excessive noise makes it difficult for our children to learn. Many advocate the use of carpets, tiles or drapes in our classrooms that would change the acoustics of the room to a more comfortable level, but this may not be a possibility for all schools due to budget. Noise is proven to negatively affect childrens cognitive learning ability. In very young children, excessively noisy environments can impede a childs speech development.
What can we do to protect their hearing?
- Speak quietly (as hard as it may be sometimes!) and force your child to turn down the volume so he or she can hear you. Set up consequences for being ignored if you determine the non-response has nothing to do with noise (sometimes its all about selective hearing).
- Make sure your musical child uses musicians earplugs when practicing and while in music class. Choir practice may not produce as much noise as a room full of instruments (especially with beginner players), but wearing earplugs can improve their singing voice. Remind your kids that their favourite rock or pop stars wear hearing protection, so its a cool thing to do!
- Keep ear canals dry through the use of swimmers earplugs and drying aids. Inner ear infection, especially in small children, can cause hearing loss.
- Make sure your childrens toys are set on low volume. If the toy does not have this type of control, it probably doesnt meet safety standards and you should contact the company for more information.
- MP3 players and iPods should be set at a level to where your child can still hear people speaking. Test this from time to time by making a request. Again, non-response could indicate selective hearing so try something like Did you want an advance on your allowance? You can purchase custom earphones for your older children.
- For very young children who cannot wear earplugs, purchase earmuffs and have them handy for events such as fireworks, concerts, movie theatres and other noisy events.
Above all, find time to spend with your children with the noise turned off. Rather than TVs and other noisy technology, read a book, colour or put a puzzle together. Teach them that peace is one of the nicest noises!
Cheers!
Meghan