How to Protect Your Kids’ Hearing This Summer

Summer is synonymous with live concerts, funnel cakes and long road trips. It’s a great time to get out with the kids and share some quality time. That being said, all those fun-filled evenings can also have an unintended consequence – your kids could be at risk of damaging their ears! In fact, kids are actually more sensitive to loud noise than adults, so it is important to be extra vigilant about protecting your kids’ hearing throughout these summer months!

Loud events and ear defenders

If you’re heading to a concert this summer, it might be second nature to grab a pair of ear buds for you and your kids. While ear buds are a great way to protect your own hearing as an adult, kids’ ears are much smaller than the average adult. As their ears are still growing, ear buds might not be the best option.

Instead, there are ‘ear defenders’ (also known as hearing protectors) that are specially designed for kids. These are more like ear muffs in design. You can buy them in a variety of sizes – they are even made for babies! It’s a great option not just for concerts but other places where there is likely to be continuous loud noise, like carnivals and sports events.

Reducing risks of hearing loss on long flights

Getting somewhere via plane this summer? Whether it’s a dream Disneyland vacation or a trip to Grandma’s house, long plane rides can actually damage your kids’ hearing.

The risk of loud noises resulting in hearing problems is measured in decibels. If someone is exposed to 90 decibels (dB) over 8 hours, it can lead to permanent hearing damage. At cruising altitude, aircraft generally stabilize at about 85 dBs. This can reach 90 dBs on older planes. Considering children’s hearing is more sensitive, it is important to take precautions to protect their hearing, especially on long-haul flights.

Your options when travelling

So what can you do? Noise is generally louder at the back of the plane. If you have the option, you can choose seats towards the front of the plane. In addition, a recent study found that noise on an airplane was 4 dBs higher in window seats rather than middle and aisle seats, so you now have more justification for stealing the window seat from your kids!

Noise cancelling headphones

Perhaps the best option is to use noise cancelling headphones (NCHs), which are great for flights and general on-the-go use as well.

The main way NCHs can help protect against hearing loss is through blocking out external noise. MP3 players on full blast can reach up to 110 dBs – far surpassing the danger zone! It’s particularly easy to turn up the volume when there are loud external noises, like the engine noise on an airplane or the loud sound of wind coming through the open windows in your car.

When your child is watching a movie or listening to music, using NCHs to block external noise means that your child doesn’t have to turn up the volume to an excessively loud degree. That is why using NCHs are very useful when you are travelling with your kids this summer.

That being said, noise cancelling headphones are ideal anytime that your child is playing games, watching movies or listening to music on the go!

In all the excitement of the summer and the activities that the heat allows us to enjoy, it’s easy to forget about hearing loss prevention. These easy and effortless tips can ensure that your kids are protected – wherever the summer may lead them!

How to Protect Your Kids’ Hearing This Summer