How to Protect Your Family’s Hearing

Lifestyle - How to Protect Your Family's Hearing

As you journey through the process of your own hearing loss or that of a parent, you might be wondering what could have been done differently to prolong healthy hearing. You may be asking yourself, “How can I protect my children from hearing loss?” It’s never too early to begin teaching your children about the dangers of noise-induced hearing impairment and the importance of protecting their ears. We’ve compiled information on noise-induced hearing loss and some effective ways to help protect your child’s hearing, whether they’re just born or teenagers.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss or (NIHL) is hearing impairment caused by loud noises in the environment. Noise levels are measured using units of sound pressure called decibels or (dBA). The United States Department of Labor asserts that a person is at-risk of NIHL if they are exposed to 85dBA for 8 or more hours per day. As the environment gets louder, the amount of allowed exposure time gets shorter. At just 90dBA – about the sound of a child’s “LeapFrog Learning Lily” game – only 2 hours and 15 minutes are permitted daily.

CDC estimates that about 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-69 suffer from NIHL. NIHL effects all ages, including babies and young children. As many as 16 percent of teens between the ages of 12-19 reported some form of hearing loss on a recent survey conducted by CDC.

How to Protect: Babies & Young Children

Not all states are created equal when it comes to mandates on hearing screens for infants. Be sure to ask your OB if a hearing screen will be conducted after birth. If not, schedule one within a month. If corrected within 6 months, most hearing-impaired infants are on par with peers both socially and academically by the time they reach school age.

Be aware of excess noise exposure. You might not realize that popular kids’ hangouts such as Chuck E. Cheese are not likely to cause hearing loss – unless kids regularly go there for 8 hours a day. The real culprits are your children’s toys. Teach your babies and young children to play with their noisy toys away from their ears, or turn the volume down or off periodically to implement hearing breaks. View this list of toys and their dBA levels, to see how your child’s favorites rank.

How to Protect: Older Children & Preteens

If you have or know a preteen, you might realize that “being cool” is pretty important at this age. Unfortunately for audiologists and safe hearing savvy parents, hearing protection isn’t always considered “cool” amongst this particular crowd. Fortunately, there are ways you can educate your older children and preteens on the risks of noise-induced hearing loss – without harming kids’ “cool” factor.

If you have a family member with hearing loss, ask them to talk to your preteens about what it feels like to have reduced hearing, and why it is important (and cool) to protect their hearing now. Teach your kids that each time they expose themselves to loud noises, their risk of hearing loss increases.

If your older child or preteen enjoys listening to music or playing video games, set a daily decibel limit. The higher the volume, the less screen time they are allowed. They’ll definitely turn the noise down if it means being able to pass another level!

You can also take your older children and preteens shopping for customized hearing protection. Asking their input on fit and style might increase the chance they’ll actually be used. There are many fashionable or completely discreet options available. For more information on custom hearing protection, click here.

For more great resources on educating your preteen about hearing loss and steps they can take to protect themselves, visit Noisy Planet.


Lifestyle Hearing Solutions of Tucson
6425 E. Broadway
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 323-0099