We all know that Christmas and the holiday season can bring a number of headaches for parents. It starts with the incessant begging for toys, and ends with days and weeks of whirring, squealing, loud toys; but what we often fail to consider is the hearing of our children. Children’s ears are more sensitive than adults, and are thus more susceptible to loud, high-pitched noises, which over time can cause long term hearing loss.
The Sight and Hearing association releases a yearly list of the year’s loudest toys to help both parents and children protect their hearing (and sanity). Here is this year’s list:
- Bell Riderz Block Blaster
- Cars Shake ‘N Go Ramone
- Transformers Optimus Prime Cyber Sword
- True Heroes Sonic Battle Blasters
- CAT Mini Mover
- Rocket Boost Iron Man 2
- Road Rippers Rush and Rescue Fire Truck
- Interaction Morris
- Proto Bat-Bot Figure
- CAT Honk and Rumble Wheel
- Dora Tunes Microphone
- B. FunKeys
- Dora Magic Adventure Wand
- Sesame Street Singing Pop-Up Pals
- Bruin Musical Teething Keys
- Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Phone
- Bruin Mini Kitchen
- ruin Lights and Sounds Fire Truck
All of these toys are recommended for children under seven and most under four; the ages when children’s audio development is key. The risk remains with older children as headphones pose a large risk to young ears. We often take for granted our ability to hear and the vital role it plays in our everyday lives. During such a joyous season it’s important to remember the long term affects toys and accessories can have on our children. Let’s make sure that our children and we have a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
