While traveling or trying to keep toddlers preoccupied occasionally, many parents hand over their earbuds to the little ones to listen to music or watch their favorite shows on their tablets. But what they do not realize is that in doing so they are putting toddlers at risk.
And without warnings about hearing loss on the earbud packaging to recommend against this young population from using, the more often they are used. Something that is unfortunate given that it is not safe for toddlers to use earbuds.
Earbuds are very convenient to pack and use on the go. This likely has contributed to their popularity, specifically versus headphones which are much bulkier in nature. As a result, little kids are being exposed to the sound coming from the earbuds, something which is much more concentrated than that of headphones, according to KidsHealth. And as a result, the damage that is happening to their hearing is much greater as well.
Here is why it is not safe for toddlers to use earbuds.
Ear Buds Can Contribute To Hearing Loss
Being exposed to loud noises for an extended time can contribute to hearing loss. That is not a surprise to many. But what may be of a surprise is that Wearing earbuds at the recommended decibels can cause hearing problems later in life when exposed at an early age.
According to Healthline, the decibels that earbuds should be listened to are 85 dBA. At this volume, when listening to for extended periods hearing loss can occur. This includes anything longer than 60 minutes per day, according to Reviewed.
Unfortunately, when toddlers get on tablets, they are generally on longer than 60 minutes at a time. This is especially true when parents need to keep them entertained. And the earlier that hearing is damaged, the earlier in life hearing loss will occur.
Toddler’s Ear Canals Are Smaller Than Adults
With toddlers’ ear canals being smaller than adults, they are already more prone to infection, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. And for those who use earbuds, the risk of ear infections may increase even further.
According to Whittier Hospital Medical Center, using earbuds, in general, can make people more prone to ear infections. This is because of the bacteria that earbuds carry along with how they trap ear wax in the ear canal, per the publication. And when this happens, ear infections occur.
Given that there is already a risk of fluid being trapped in the ear as a result of the size and positioning of the eustachian tubes, according to Johns Hopkins Medicineallowing toddlers to use earbuds for extended periods is simply creating a perfect environment for ear infections to occur.
Outside of illnesses, the fact that earbuds blast music directly into the ear canals means that the smaller the ear canal, the louder the sound, according to HealthyHearing. As a result, even the recommended decibels for listening to earbuds come across as louder for toddlers. And when this happens, damage to hearing can occur.
How To Make Ear Buds Safer For Toddlers
If there are no other options for toddlers but to use earbuds, there are things that parents can do to help make using them safer.
According to BabyCentersome of the things that parents can do to protect their toddlers’ ear health include:
- Not using earbuds for prolonged periods
- If earbuds are used for a while, toddlers should take breaks to let their ears rest
- Only allow shows or music to be listened at 75 dBA or less
- Use apps that control the volume of the earbuds so that they do not accidentally get raised during use
By putting these tips into practice, parents can do everything in their power to protect their toddlers’ ears so that their hearing is not lost at an early age.
Source: KidsHealth, Healthline, Reviewed, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Whittier Hospital Medical Center, HealthyHearing, BabyCenter