Technology has become an integral part of raising children today. Technology is full of lots of benefits-from baby monitors to educational apps, there is a lot to gain from it. There may be times, though, when we feel as though our children are surrounded by too much technology that may harm them. In this article on kidsrush.com, we will tell you how safe are headphones for your baby. Let’s start!
As an example, consider headphones. In certain situations, such as listening to an audiobook or music, as well as blocking out sound from your child’s environment, headphone are invaluable.
The reality is that headphones can be marketed to even the youngest children out there, making one wonder whether they are really beneficial to a baby, as well as whether they are safe for them to wear.
For you to make the best choice for your child, let’s examine the issues at hand.
Do Headphones Harm Your Baby?
Safety of Headphones
We don’t know whether headphone use is safe for the youngest children, but we do know noise pollution can lead to other health problems for older kids, which is at least partly caused by headphones and technology usage.
In the United States alone, 1.1 billion teens and young adults are exposed to noise, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Noise from public gatherings and events is a major concern here, but “personal audio devices,” as well, are also contributing factors.
Children’s hearing can be seriously compromised when headphones and earbuds are used improperly, explains the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP).
Furthermore, loud toys and gatherings such as concerts and parties are also a concern when it comes to the security of young children’s ears when it comes to safety.
Noise level for safe headphones
Children can be harmed by mobile devices that have sound levels greater than 75 decibels (which measure sound). To see what decibel levels your child is exposed to, you can use a smartphone app.
The number of time children should spend using devices with headphones should not exceed 40 hours per week, even at volumes of less than 75 decibels. You can also benefit from taking breaks.
Even though many headphones for kids are advertised as “kid-safe”, many of them have decibel levels that exceed what is recommended by the WHO. In some headphones, for instance, the sound can reach a decibel level of 85 or 90 — at times even higher.
AAP writes that “[U] put testing, many speak even louder than what they say.” Parents should tell their kids to adjust the volume themselves after listening to these products. Essentially, headphone companies aren’t interested in your child’s hearing; they are interested in selling headphones.”
In one review of headphones manufactured for children, The Wirecutter, an affiliate of The New York Times, found that half of the products offered volume controls at or above 85 decibels. [1]
It is known that many of these devices included design flaws that enabled users to bypass all the volume-reduction features they claimed they had.
In the United States, there is currently no standard for headsets regulating decibel output, and none at all for children’s headphones and headphones specifically designed for babies.
Safeguarding Your Child
There is no need to worry about the baby and young child headphones of any kind given all of this information. Nonetheless, it is possible that the case may not be the same. Everything depends on how you choose devices and how you use them.
Children can use smart headphones in these ways, according to the AAP:
- Make sure that your children keep their devices’ volume low.
- Volumizers should be set to half volume. Make sure your child cannot adjust the volume if you use an Apple device.
- Children should often take a break from their headphones.
- Make sure you use headphones safely.
- Your child’s headphones must fit properly (i.e., if the headphones fit properly, the sound won’t “leak” out, causing the volume to rise).
- Despite being close (at an arm’s length), your child should be able to hear you when you speak to him. A high volume may result if they cannot.
Can you say that noise-canceling headphones are safe?
Generally, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that active noise-canceling headphones (that are sensitive to noise and eliminate outside sounds as well as letting your child listen to audio) can benefit your youngster. “This headphone will block out outside sounds for children.”
According to the AAP, limiting the exposure of your child to loud noises in their environment, such as the background sounds from parties and concerts, is a good idea.
The group recommends using earmuffs and earplugs along with active noise-canceling headphones. What they provide is “passive noise cancellation.”
If they are tightly fitting, earbuds or other earphones can also provide passive noise cancellation. Using headphones while doing schoolwork at home or in a quiet area will not require active noise cancellation.
What to look for in children whose hearing is impaired
A child’s hearing loss can be prevented by using audio devices appropriately. Often, the damage to your child’s hearing has already been done when you notice a possible hearing problem. As such, you need to be aware of some signs that may indicate a hearing loss in a young child.
It is important to speak with your child’s pediatrician if you notice any of these signs; they may refer you to an audiologist for kids.
Children with hearing loss show vastly different signs. Center For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) describes the following symptoms as some of the most common: [2]
Babies with hearing loss
- Not startled by loud noises
- (Your child must be at least 6 months old to turn toward the source of a sound)
- If you have not made common baby sounds such as “mama”, “dada”, or “baba” after one year, stop it.
- It seems to be easier to hear some sounds than others
- Responding to their name without responding
Children’s Hearing Loss Signs
- Having difficulty speaking
- Speaking unclearly
- Directions cannot be followed verbally
- Frequent requests for repetitions
- Loudly boosting the volume of an audio or television program
A Word From KidsRush.com
Sometimes it is difficult to separate fact from fiction when making decisions for our children. Particularly true is this when it comes to the products that are targeted at children.
Especially with white noise and noise-canceling headphones, headphones definitely have their place, but you might be hesitant about using them with your young child.
You should not hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you still have questions regarding the safety of headphones in addition to educating yourself and making sure the product meets safety guidelines. You may be able to learn what to look for when purchasing and using headphones for your toddler as well as what to watch out for when it comes to hearing loss in young children.
Most importantly, you have shown that you are a good parent by researching and considering these questions, which indicates that you can make an informed decision for your child.
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