It’s not just because you pass a construction site that your child covers his ears. Little ears are sensitive—and they’re especially vulnerable in the presence of fireworks, race carsScreaming and screaming Taylor Swift fans. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (dB)—the typical volume of a hair dryer—can cause permanent hearing damage, even for adults. Imagine that your child is at a Fourth of the July fireworks festival where pyrotechnics display can exceed 150 dB. Now you know why ear protectors are just as important as sunscreen You can also find out more about the following: snacks.
“Our ears always are on,” Dr. Brian J. Fligor says, a pediatric audiologist and author of Understanding Childhood Hearing LossPresident of Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness Boston. Hearing is essential for language development and navigation in the world. We must protect the hearing of children from birth.
What’s the good news? Today’s earmuffs—over-the-ear headsets that help block noise—are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish enough that most kids won’t put up a fight over wearing them. These earmuffs lower decibels without muffleing or distorting the sound. The goal is to reduce the volume, not silence.
Dr. Fligor suggests wearing protective gear whenever an event becomes loud enough to startle or require shouting. It is also recommended when riding ATVs or snowmobiles with engines that are not well-muffled. While hearing protection isn’t required on commercial flights for the majority of passengers, it’s recommended that muffs be worn by those who fly in smaller prop and bush planes or attend a jet show. Decibel X Sound Meter for iPhone is a great app to help you gauge noise levels in any situation. iOS You can also find out more about the following: Android A real-time frequency analyser is available for spot checking.
We asked Dr. Fligor (a father of four) and other travel-savvy parents which earplugs worked best for their children, and why. Here are the top kid-approved choices for ultimate ear protection.
FAQ:
What are the features to look for when choosing the best ear protector for children?
Dr. Fligor says that for general use you should aim for a NRR of at least 22-27 dB. For especially loud environments—like fireworks shows or racing events—higher is better.
What ages do you need to wear ear protection?
Exposure to loud noise—anything over 85 dB—can cause permanent hearing damage in children and adults alike, which is why it’s so essential to protect our hearing from birth onward. It is important to protect children from loud noises, as they are less likely than adults to regulate themselves and leave the area if the noise becomes too loud.
Which is better: earplugs for children or earmuffs for adults?
Over-the-ear-muffs for babies, toddlers and grade-schoolers are the most convenient and safest option. These muffs are more comfortable, they stay in place longer, and they don’t cause choking hazards like earplugs. Dr. Fligor recommends that children wait until they’re old enough to accurately report on the comfort and effectiveness of earplugs before using them. This is usually around the age of seven or older. High-fidelity earplugs are recommended for tweens, teens and adults. earplugs You can also like us on Facebook Loop You can also find out more about Etymotic These work because they can dampen the volume without affecting the sound (ideal in concerts).
How can I tell whether the ear protectors fit correctly?
Dr. Fligor explains that “earmuffs must form a gentle but snug seal around the ear without any gaps.” That means the cups are large enough to fit around the entire ear— including the flap of cartilage around the edge, called the pinna—and sit along the jaw. The cups are not tight enough if they move forward or if your ears protrude. It’s too tight if they leave indentations on the child or he complains of pressure. Ask your child to shake his or her head as they wear the earmuffs. If the earmuffs slide off easily, then the fit is too loose.
Puro Sound Labs
PuroCalm Earmuffs
The earmuffs have an NRR rating of 27 dB. The only color available is Halloween orange, but the quality of workmanship is excellent. They still work like new after my son has thrown them around the room several times in fits of iPad-all done rage. Puro’s are also being used. JuniorJamsKid-sized headphones that limit damaging volumes above 85dB. The built-in micro is great for online education and the headphones can last 22 hours before they need a USB-C recharge.
Dr. Fligor loves kid muffs that are made from the same materials as adult muffs. This is especially true for sporting activities, where guns can be heard. Peltor is a brand that has been around forever and he uses it for his children. “Comfort reigns supreme,” declares Dr. Fligor. If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t use it. These cushioned head muffs for kids are designed to fit children aged five and older. They feature low-profile cups and a soft wired headband. They offer protection up 27 dB.
Alpine
Muffy Baby Ear Protection
Maria de la Guardia, the Bangkok-based principal director of The Big Picture Bureau LLC, has been using these muffs on her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Sophia, since she was six weeks old. The ultra-comfy design is designed specifically for children aged up to 48 months. It has a 24 dB attenuation and a non-slip adjustable headband. They come in a beautiful selection of pastel shades as well as black. De la Guardia said Sophia wore the muffs during a concert outside in Abu Dhabi and while watching fireworks in Malaysia. She even tries to do it herself, as an “independent and headstrong toddler”. Alpine makes her own a Muffy Kids The version for children aged 5 to 16 has a higher NRR (25 dB) and more colors.
Sari Bellmer is an herbalist, founder of Heilbron Herbs in Asheville, North Carolina, has owned Banz muffs since her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ursa, was a newborn. “We were actively remodeling our house when I went into labor—and she still wears them and loves them,” says Bellmer. After Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the region in her region, the family used “chainsaws on non-stop” to clear the debris. Banz models feature a foam cushioned adjustable headband for babies up to 2 years old, a noise reduction rating of 26 dB and more than 12 colors. Banz also produces kids’ earmuffs For ages 5-10 in a variety prints including stars and stripes.
Brian Bavido is an audio engineer in Michigan who works for Ringo Starr. He spends many hours at concerts and this child-sized earmuff with a soft, padded headband has a NRR of 25dB. It’s his first choice to protect his daughter Stella, aged seven. He says that they are from Vic Firth – a company which makes drumsticks and accessories – so the earmuffs were designed to block out high sound pressure while also being comfortable. Stella has worn the same pair to Ringo concerts as well as Bruce Springsteen, Garbage and many others. She loves them just as much as her father. Vic claims that she is loyal to Vic even though she wears other brands.
