Protecting Young Ears: The Importance of Volume Control in Kids Headphones
Kids glued to their headphones with high volume seem familiar nowadays. Also, it is common to see 3-year-olds wearing headphones.
During holiday breaks retailers stocked gadgets that claim to be “safe for young ears” or to deliver “100 percent safe listening”.
We are living in an era where technology has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Likewise, even kids are approaching technology-driven audio gadgets like headphones.
Headphones designed for kids are evidently gaining popularity. However, with its growing usage, it’s important to address its critical aspect i.e. “Volume Control”.
Concerning the safety of young fellows we’ll walk you through the article and let you know why regulation of kid’s headphones is necessary. Also, you can see how it impacts their auditory health.
The Risks of High Volume on Young Ears
Young kids are more sensitive than adults. Likewise, their ears are more sensitive. However, it makes them more susceptible to damage caused by hearing high-volume levels.
Do You Know?:
In 2022, the global kid’s earphone and headphone market size was valued at USD 931.07 million. In the future it is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.79% during the forecast period, reaching USD 1543.88 million by 2028.
Their extended exposure to high volume levels can further lead to noise-included hearing loss (NIHL)
What is NIHL? It is a condition that can drastically impact the child’s development and is irreversible.
Regardless, it doesn’t just lead to hearing loss but can encourage issues like tinnitus, difficulty in concentration, and even behavioral troubles.
Meanwhile, it’s important for parents to not expose their kids to loud volumes early since it can disrupt the natural development of auditory processing.
As an outcome, young fellows face challenges in discerning sounds in noisy environments.
Choosing the Right Headphones: Safety Features to Look For
Although it’s hard to control kids nowadays. But, all you can do is get them the right audio device that incorporates various safety features.
Kids-friendly audio devices are specifically designed to cap the maximum sound level, typically around 85 decibels.
Health experts do recommend 85 decibels as the safe listening level, but there’s more to it.
Rick Neitzel said, “Exposure is not just intensity — it is also how long it lasts and how frequently it occurs”.
He further added, “Ignoring the time is missing the point. This 85-decibel number has achieved mythical status not because it is safe but because it is one of the few ways that occupational noise is regulated”.
Nonetheless, parents should look for a model that seems comfortable for them. For instance, snug fit and comfortable padding.
These can enhance comfort and help in noise isolation, consequently reducing the need to crank up the volume.
Other considerations to look for are durability and the absence of small, detachable parts because small parts can pose a choking hazard.
So, try to get them a device with a simple, user-friendly design to enable kids to use it without adult supervision.
The Role of Parents in Monitoring Audio Habits
While technology is playing its part in safeguarding the sensitive ears of young fellows, now it’s parent’s turn to supervise them.
Statistics:
According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the worldwide headphones and earphones market was estimated at US$22.3 billion in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2028, it is predicted to be worth US$ 35.2 billion in 2028, with a growth rate of 7.9% CAGR.
Despite supervision, parents should educate them about safe listening practices. For instance, let them know to take regular breaks from continual usage, and avoid high volumes.
Indeed, parents should monitor the duration and environment. Suppose, in noisy settings, kids are inclined to increase the volume of their audio devices
Indulge in an open conversation with the kid regarding hearing comfort and any signs of auditory distress like ringing in the ear and difficulty hearing.
Balancing Entertainment and Hearing Health
It’s absolutely true that headphones are a means of entertainment and learning for kids.
But, despite this fact, the harmony between keeping them engaged and assuring their hearing health is paramount.
The usage of audio devices in a controlled environment and for a limited time is a novel approach.
Moreover, be mindful and avoid involving kids in the process of choosing headphones as it can excite and encourage them to use them constantly.
Interesting Fact:
In the past, Nathaniel Baldwin made the first modern headphones consisting of two earpieces with a headband by hand in his kitchen. Later, it was sold to the Navy as a piece of radio equipment.
What else can parents do? They can engage them in activities that do not require headphones. For instance, outdoor play or reading boosts their cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to incorporate volume control in kids. It is becoming necessary to monitor them and guarantee the delicate hearing of young listeners.
The selection of the right headphones, adequate education about safe listening practices, and supervision of their audio habits are a few ideal practices to be considered by parents.
It will let their kids enjoy their audio experiences even without compromising their hearing health.
With the evolution of technology, the emphasis on fostering a safe and healthy environment for the youngest technology users should be prioritized.
Carrying this in mind, the goal is not to eliminate its usage but to promote a balanced and mindful approach that can lead to the well-being of children’s hearing health.
