Best Baby Ear Protection

Loud Noises Can Permanently Damage Hearing

Sound waves create vibrations that travel to the inner ear where they enter the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure that contains thousands of minuscule hairs. The hairs bend when sound vibrations hit them, and these bending movements convert the vibrations into electrical impulses that travel through the auditory nerve to the brain.

These hair cells can be vulnerable to damaging loud noises. They typically stand up straight and bend in response to sound waves, but when the waves are very strong, prolonged or repeated frequently, the hairs can remain “stuck” in a bent position where they are unable to generate electrical impulses.

In many instances, the hairs will return to their normal positions after they have had the chance to recover from the loud noise. However, if the damage is severe enough, these hair cells can die and lead to permanent hearing loss.

What is a Dangerous Sound Level?

Sounds levels are measured in units called decibels (dB). Each decibel reflects how much pressure the sound wave carries. Sounds over 80 decibels have the potential to damage the delicate components in the human ear.

The higher the decibel level, the less time it takes to acquire hearing loss. For example, a firecracker exploding at close range can cause permanent hearing damage immediately. Prolonged or frequent exposure to sounds that are less intense but still loud, like a lawnmower, can also cause damage.

Why Ear Protection is Important for Children

According to the World Health Organization, more than half of all childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes. While some of these causes include illness and acute injuries, loud noises are also a major contributor.

It can be easy to think that since kids in previous generations grew up without ear protection and still have decent hearing, today’s kids will be fine without it as well. However, the culture has changed significantly over the last couple of decades. Increased traffic, construction, air travel and entertainment events are just a few examples. Additionally, don’t overlook technology: Even young children can be exposed to television, movies, video games and music at loud volumes at almost all times.

The CDC reports that almost 15% of children between the ages of six and nineteen have a noticeable degree of hearing loss. Given the popularity of earbuds in children and teens, it is wise to do what you can to protect your child’s hearing while they are young and you have a greater level of control.

Teaching your child from an early age that their hearing is delicate and worth protecting may also help them build good habits that will last for the rest of their life.

Additional Benefits of Using Ear Protection

Reduce sound wave pressure. Children have smaller ear canals. As a result of this decreased surface area, sound waves put increased pressure on the eardrum and make noises sound even louder to your child. Ear protection devices filter sounds through at least one layer of foam, reducing the amount of irritating or dangerous pressure on your child’s eardrums.

Can increase your child’s enjoyment and engagement. Noise reducing devices not only help protect your child’s hearing, but they can also help make noisy events more enjoyable.
Most ear protection models don’t completely eliminate all sounds, and reducing just the dangerous or stressful noise input could help your child feel more relaxed.

Ear Protection Features to Look For

Noise Reduction Rating. A product’s noise reduction rating (NRR) reflects how much the device reduces noise levels. An NRR of 30 dB means that the device reduces sound by 30 decibels. The higher the rating number, the more noise the device blocks.
However, it’s important to remember that each device’s rating is assigned based on controlled laboratory testing, so the protection factor on an actual human in everyday conditions is likely to be lower.

Appropriate Size for Your Child. The earpieces need to form a seal all the way around your child’s ears to be effective, so make sure the product you choose is large enough to cover the outer ear completely.

Adjustability. Fit can significantly alter the device’s effectiveness, and products that feature multiple points of adjustment can help you get the best seal on your baby’s ears.
Many devices adjust to fit a wide range of head sizes, but make sure to check the manufacturer’s age recommendations for the specific product.

Comfortable Padding. Since the device fits snugly against your child’s face and head, look for generous padding that won’t irritate the skin. The ear cushions will probably collect skin oils, so a surface that is washable or wipeable is probably easier to clean.

What About Earplugs?

Earmuff styles are always recommended for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Any type of ear protection that fits inside the ear canal is dangerous and likely to be ineffective in young children. These small products can easily become dislodged, fall out and present a choking hazard, so never use earplugs until your child is at least school-aged.

Additionally, don’t use any materials like a small wad of tissue or a cotton ball as a makeshift set of earplugs. Besides being a choking risk, these items are not meant to fit inside the ear canal and could cause your child’s earwax to become impacted.

Places Where You May Want to Consider Using Ear Protection

You don’t have to take your baby to a loud rock concert to encounter noises that could cause damage or just be scary. These are a few places where using ear protection could help:

• Fireworks displays
• Festivals or special events
• Air shows
• Sporting events
• Motorsport shows or races
• Amusement parks or carnivals
• Live music venues
• Flying
• Home projects requiring power tools
• Busy city streets
• Movie theaters

Our Choices – a Closer Look at the Best Baby Ear Protection