Every autumn, kids head back to school—and that means noise! Schools are filled with the sounds of packed hallways and cafeterias, band practices, and sporting events. Noise levels in these settings can be loud enough to permanently damage your child’s hearing.
Protect your child’s ears by adding these steps to your family’s school checklist:
- Give your children earplugs or earmuffs to carry in their backpacks. Make it easy for your kids to protect their hearing in situations and places that are too loud. Earplugs are small and easy to pack; earmuffs are fun to decorate and easy to use!
- Schedule a hearing test for your children. Having good hearing is crucial for school-aged children. Children must be able to hear their teachers, join in conversations, and hear cars when crossing the streets. Make sure your children are hearing all that they should be!
- Raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss. Chat with your child’s teachers about noise-induced hearing loss and the importance of protecting young ears. You might even suggest that teachers use downloadable, online tools (like a sound meter) to monitor noise levels in the classroom. Download a sound-meter app on your phone or your child’s phone, and test activities like their bus ride to school or school sports events! You can play a decibel level guessing game or inspire your children to create a science project about decibel levels and noise pollution.
Swing by one of our nine locations to pick up a complimentary pair of earplugs for your child. Speech and Hearing Associates can also fit your child with customized hearing protectors.
Contact us at 1-800-742-7551 for more information or to make an appointment with one of our doctors of audiology.