Not all toys are as safe as they seem—especially when it comes to noise levels. While toy manufacturers must follow acoustic safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), these tests don’t always reflect how kids actually use their toys.
ASTM guidelines measure toy noise levels from a set distance—often around 50 cm (about 20 inches) away—to simulate typical play. However, children don’t always play at arm’s length. They hold toys close to their ears, press buttons repeatedly, or even place sound-producing parts directly against their heads. This real-world play can make a toy significantly louder than what standard tests suggest, increasing the risk of hearing damage.
The American Academy of Audiology has highlighted that many commercially available toys exceed recommended noise exposure levels, even for short periods and when measured from a child’s approximate arm length (25 cm or 10 inches). Some toys with sirens, music, or voice features have even been measured at 100 dB or more when held close to the ear—as loud as a chainsaw.
This is especially dangerous for young children under five, whose hearing is more vulnerable to damage. Unlike adults, their shorter ear canals and developing auditory systems make them more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss.
The Four-Step Test for Toys
To help parents make informed decisions, Dr. Hamid Djalilian of UCI Health recommends a simple four-step test to determine if a toy is too loud for your child:
- Ear Test – Hold the toy as close to your ear as a child would. If it sounds too loud for you, it’s likely too loud for them.
- Arm Test – Estimate your child’s arm length and hold the toy at that distance. If it still seems noisy, it may be a concern.
- Talk Test – Try having a conversation while the toy is on. If you have to raise your voice to be heard, the toy is likely too loud.
- Try-Me Buttons – Many toys have “try-me” buttons in stores, with manufacturers claiming the volume will be lower at home. However, studies suggest little difference between store and home volume levels. If it’s too loud in the store, it’s too loud at home.
How to Choose Safe Toys
To protect your child’s hearing, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Trust your ears – If it seems loud to you, it’s likely too loud for your child.
- Volume doesn’t change at home – Despite manufacturer claims, store volume levels are often the same at home.
- Measure the volume – Use a decibel meter or a dB meter app to check sound levels.
What to Do If a Toy Is Too Loud
- Remove the batteries – If the toy isn’t essential, taking out the batteries can eliminate the noise altogether.
- Modify if necessary – If a toy is too loud but unavoidable, placing masking tape or glue over the speaker can help reduce noise—studies confirm both are effective.
- Recycle instead of donating – Passing on an overly loud toy could put another child’s hearing at risk.
- Write a review – Many loud toys are sold by major retailers. Leaving a review can help warn other families and encourage safer design choices.
Sight and Hearing Association Noisy Toys Lists
For over 20 years, the Sight and Hearing Association has tested toys and published a list of the worst offenders around the holidays. Here are some past years findings.