By: Emily Richards
Updated: Jan. 28, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 25, 2005
Growing up, safety gear like bike helmets, sunscreen, and seat belts were rarely on our radar. Kids often rode in the front seat of cars without a second thought. In hindsight, these practices seem astonishing, especially as we now understand the risks associated with concussions and the long-term effects of sun exposure that can damage our skin. Our parents simply didn’t have the knowledge to protect us.
Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but wonder what today’s parents might overlook when it comes to safeguarding their children. One major concern we can address right now is the protection of our children’s hearing through the use of earplugs.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly noisy—from rock concerts to bustling restaurants—it’s essential to recognize that exposure to high decibel levels can lead to permanent hearing loss. Despite ongoing research by organizations like the Hearing Health Foundation, the reality is that there is currently no cure for hearing loss. Thankfully, solutions like earplugs and earmuffs are readily available to help shield our kids.
Alarmingly, the rate of hearing loss among teens is on the rise. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that in 2005 and 2006, one in five teens experienced some form of hearing loss, a significant increase from one in seven in the earlier years of 1988 to 1994. The prevalence has likely grown even more since then, with ubiquitous earbuds contributing to the issue alongside exposure to loud environments at concerts and school events.
Just last year, I attended my children’s elementary school talent show, and to my surprise, it reached 90 decibels! Not a single child, including mine, was wearing hearing protection—something I hadn’t anticipated. The school didn’t consider it a priority to lower the volume or provide ear protection, even though they strictly enforce helmet rules for bike rides.
After witnessing that talent show, I made sure to pack earplugs for my children for summer camp, anticipating they might encounter another loud event. Luckily, they did attend a concert at camp, and my kids wore their earplugs while even sharing them with friends. Unfortunately, the camp didn’t provide any protective gear, likely because it wasn’t on their radar. Conversely, camp counselors are diligent about ensuring children wear and reapply sunscreen during outdoor activities.
My personal experience with hearing loss has made my children acutely aware of the importance of safeguarding their hearing. However, I realize that many parents and children might not fully understand this issue. So, whose responsibility is it to raise awareness? While several nonprofit organizations are actively working on this, their efforts require time and funding. Those of us who recognize the implications of hearing loss should spread the word about protecting hearing. This includes informing parents and children about effective strategies and reaching out to local schools and camps. Together, we can ensure that earplugs become as essential as bike helmets for this generation.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
As a general guideline, exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels can lead to gradual hearing loss. This is comparable to the sound of heavy city traffic or a busy school cafeteria. At 105 decibels, which is the maximum volume of most MP3 players, some hearing loss can occur within just 15 minutes. Damage can happen in under a minute at 110 decibels, which is common at rock concerts or loud sporting events.
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In summary, earplugs may very well be the safety gear of our time, similar to how bike helmets were once viewed. As we continue to learn about the risks of noise exposure, it’s crucial to prioritize hearing protection for our children.