Akanksha Arora • 26 Mar 2025
Is Your Child Prone To Noise-induced Hearing Loss? These Day-to-day Things Could Be The Culprit
Is Your Child Prone To Noise-induced Hearing Loss? These Day-to-day Things Could Be The Culprit. (Image: Canva)
Day to day sounds may seem harmless, but they could be damaging your child’s hearing without you even realizing it. From loud toys to using headphones constantly, noise-induced hearing loss is becoming more common in kids.
By Dr. Anish Pillai, Lead Consultant- Neonatology and Pediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai says, "Hearing loss has become increasingly common these days among children. Excessive exposure to loud noises is one of the major contributors to hearing loss in kids."
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is different from age-related hearing loss which mostly happens when the loud noises tend to damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Unfortunately, once these cells are damaged or harmed, they don’t grow back, resulting in persistent hearing loss. Children these days are more likely to use headphones, play with noisy toys, and be exposed to loud environments like celebrations or crowded places, which can increase their risk of NIHL.
Dr. Anish has listed some of the common culprits of noise-induced hearing loss in kids.
- Loud Toys: Children are more attracted to toys that produce loud noise such as toy sirens or musical instruments. This may not be good for their ears as they make sounds that are above safe levels.
- Headphones and Earbuds: Shows through headphones while keeping the volume high then more likely to suffer from NIHL.
- Video Games and Virtual Reality Systems: Gaming consoles and VR headsets often involve immersive sounds that children may crank up for better gameplay, posing a significant hearing risk over time.
- Fireworks, Sirens, and Concerts: Attending concerts, live events, watching fireworks, or emergency sirens can expose the child to sudden loud noises which can cause immediate damage to your little one's hearing.
- Household Appliances And Tools: Everyday items like blenders, vacuum cleaners, and hairdryers can be too loud for children especially when used frequently or in a small place.
- Crowded And Noisy Environments: Public places like train stations and sports stadiums can expose your children to loud sounds.
- Traffic And Construction Sites: Children living near highways, heavy traffic areas, construction sites, or airports should be cautious as they are frequently exposed to high levels of loud noises which can damage their hearing.
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