I love it when science catches up with me.
I've been told I am "too sensitive." That applies to many things, but sound is definitely high on the list. Hey, some of us are sensitive to that sort of thing! Which is one reason why I avoid loud toys, not that avoiding electronic noisemakers deters my youngest from constantly generating decibels while for instance banging on an upended metal pail with a wooden spoon and singing along, but I have to agree with Mike, who said that air is the best toy of all.
Because loud electronic toys can cause permanent hearing loss in kids.
And while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can't agree on what is considered "safe" exposure levels for things that emit 100 decibels or more (OSHA = 2 hours; NIOSH = 10 minutes, a rather disturbing variance), it's also a safe bet that kids won't use these sorts of toys "correctly"; that is, keeping them away from their ears and using them only for short periods of time.
As much as I'd love to snark on these toys, kids are able to make noise from practically anything: besides the aforementioned makeshift drum my youngest has created, he's also got a xylophone, a rainstick, and, well, himself. Plus my seven-year-old can emit the most ear-piercing high-pitched shriek known to man.
On my Christmas list: noise-canceling headphones. I just thought of it.
Want a list of some of the offending electronica and their decibel emissions? Might make you think twice in your shopping this month. Or just pick up the headphones for everyone.
- High School Musical Rockerz Jammin Guitar: 106
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Cheetah Girls – In Concert Collection Doll: 104
Hannah Montana – In Concert Collection Doll: 103
VTech V.Smile Baby: 103
CAT Motorized Dump Truck: 102
Tickle Me Elmo: 100
Transformers Trans-portable Activity Center: 99
Tonka Lights and Sounds Hummer: 97
Bob the Builder Deluxe Talking Tool Belt: 96
Bosch Toy Chainsaw: 95
Tickle Me Cookie Monster: 94
Little People Dump Truck: 92
Cabbage Patch Kids Babies: 91
Leap Frog Learning Lily: 90
Tickle Me Ernie: 90
Playskool Gloworm: 85
Little People School Bus: 80
