The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Here are some precautions parents may take to protect their children’s hearing.Hearing loss can result from prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds exceeding 85 dB, hence hearing protection should be worn when exposed to sounds beyond that level. If you can’t avoid exposure above 85 dB, minimise your child’s exposure period.
Parents should make sure their children are using over-the-ear, noise-cancelling headphones or hearing protection such as earplugs or over-ear muffs when exposed to excessive noise at concerts, sporting events and firing ranges, for example, or when using noisy equipment like lawn mowers or ATVs.Banishing all loud toys from the home entirely may be easier said than done. After all, it’s not always possible to prevent well-meaning friends and relatives from giving your child shrieking toys.