Hearing Loss in Children
Approximately 12 percent of all children ages 6–19 have noise-induced hearing loss.Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and is almost always preventable!
Hearing loss can happen at any age. A growing number of teens and kids are damaging their hearing by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.
The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85dB.
How to protect your child’s hearing:
60 dB Normal conversations or dishwashers 80 dB Alarm clocks 90 dB Hair dryers, blenders, and lawnmowers 100 dB MP3 players at full volume 110 dB Concerts (any music genre), car racing, and sporting events 120 dB Jet planes at take off 130 dB Ambulances 140 dB Gun shots, fireworks, and custom car stereos at full volume
- Wear the proper hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) when in noisy environments (concerts, sporting events, fireworks displays, car races). Hearing protection comes in a variety of sizes and textures to provide optimum fit. Custom-made earplugs can be obtained from an audiologist.
- Turn down the volume. (Visit www.TurnItToTheLeft.com)
- Walk away from loud noise.
Noisy toysTo help your child learn more about hearing, hearing loss, and hearing protection, download these educational worksheets and games.
Sporting events
Band class
Motorbikes
Farm equipment
Movie theaters
Shop class
Arcades
Concerts
Firearms
Firecrackers and fireworks
Power tools
MP3 players
If you think your child may have a hearing loss, “Find an Audiologist” and set up an appointment to get your child’s hearing checked.
