Hearing damage from loud sounds is permanent, but it’s also preventable. Many parents and caregivers don’t realize just how often kids are exposed to dangerous noise levels in everyday life—at home, school, events, and even from toys.
By understanding what’s too loud and taking simple steps to reduce exposure, you can protect childrens’ ears (and your own).
The Three-Step Guide to Protecting Your Child’s Hearing
Use earmuffs or earplugs when exposure to loud sounds is unavoidable.
- Check the Volume. Use a decibel meter app or try the 3-feet test (explained below).
- Cut Back if It’s Too Loud. Lower the volume, move away from the noise, or limit exposure time.
- Cover Your Ears if You Can’t Avoid the Noise. Use earmuffs or earplugs when exposure to loud sounds is unavoidable.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Think of sound levels like a fever. Sometimes you notice something concerning and just need to keep an eye on it. Other times, immediate action is needed.
- 85 dB (decibels) is the safety threshold. Sounds below this level won’t cause damage.
- Above 85 dB is like running a fever—the higher the number, the shorter the safe exposure time.
- 85 dB (busy traffic) – Safe for 8 hours
- 100 dB (concerts, sporting events) – Safe for 15 minutes
- 115 dB (arcades, playgrounds) – Safe for under a minute
Children’s ears are more sensitive than adults’, making it even more important to limit exposure.
How to Measure Sound Levels
A mobile app (often called an SPL meter or loudness meter) is an easy and convenient way to check sound levels. Place your device:
- By your ear
- By your child’s ear
- Near the source of the sound
The 3-Feet Test: A Quick Way to Gauge Sound Danger
A simple rule of thumb:
- If you’re standing three feet away from someone and need to raise your voice for them to hear you, the noise level is probably around 85 dB.
- If you have to yell, the sound is at dangerous levels.
Common Noisy Environments for Kids
Everyday Sounds That Can Cause Hearing Damage
According to the Better Hearing Institute, common sources of unsafe noise for children include:
- Transportation: Subways, trains, airplanes, snowmobiles
- Home Appliances: Stereo speakers, power tools, hair dryers, lawnmowers
- Loud Toys
- Music Concerts & Live Events
The Center for Hearing and Communication adds that some everyday play areas can be dangerously loud:
- Playgrounds & Arcades – Up to 115 dB (as loud as a rock concert!)
- School Environments – Cafeterias, hallways, and school bells can exceed safe levels.
Loudest Offenders: Toys & Everyday Sounds
The Sight & Hearing Association releases an annual list of toys louder than 85 dB.
Other surprisingly loud sounds:
- Balloons popping (when overinflated) – As loud as a gunshot, with risk of instant damage.
- Earbuds & Headphones – A major cause of hearing loss in teens.
What Hearing Protection Should You Use?
For adults & older kids – Use earplugs or earmuffs at loud events.
For infants & young children – Use earmuffs (earplugs can be a choking hazard).
Why Hearing Protection Matters
There are no “live sound police” at concerts, sporting events, or amusement parks. Sound levels can creep up gradually, and you may not realize it’s too loud until damage has already started.
If it’s too loud for kids, it’s too loud for you, too. Protect your ears—you only get one set!