May 17, 2011

Speech Language pathologists and audiologists at Western Health are reminding parents to consider the noise level of toys for children, who may be at risk for noise induced hearing loss. Toys are regulated under the Hazardous Products Act by Health Canada and are banned if nose levels exceed 100 decibels. However, even at 100 decibels if children are playing with these toys for an extended period of time, sound levels can be damaging. 

“Some toys are too loud,” says Christine Simms, regional clinical lead, audiology. “We often hear of either adults being careful of noise induced hearing loss from their work environment or worrying about teenagers listening to loud music but we don’t think about children’s toys. It is important to remember that children’s ear canals are smaller and may be more easily damaged by noise.“

Occupational Health and Safety guidelines allow an employee to be exposed to sound levels of 100 decibels in their work environment for a maximum of 15 minutes before hearing protection has to be worn. The Hazardous Products Act measures the level of the toy at arm’s length but often children play with their toys much closer to their ears, increasing loudness level in that child’s ear. “We are not saying that parents shouldn’t buy toys that make sound because the sounds can help to stimulate hearing,” says Simms. “They should just to be careful of how loud the toy is. Protecting your hearing should begin in infancy.” 

Toys can also help a child’s speech and language learning. Research has shown that play helps children learn simply because it is fun. Word use, early math and other preschool skills can be developed by offering blocks, sorting and movement toys, as well as pretend play sets. Children learn to think and imagine better by using art materials, puzzles, mechanical toys and costumes. Cooperation, listening and conversation skills are developed by the use of toys such as puppets and board games. “A child learns about the world through play,” says Madelyn St. Croix, speech language pathologist. “Providing the right toys and games gives children more chances to build language while having fun.” 

In recognition of Speech and Hearing Month, Western Health is hosting events where parents can bring a child’s toy to have speech language pathologists and audiologists determine its potential benefit to the child. These events are taking place at:

• Baby Group at the Irishtown/Summerside Family Resource Centre: May 25, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Port aux Basques Family Resource Centre: May 25, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Stephenville Family Resource Centre: May 31, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

More information about how children’s hearing can be impacted by toys can be found at www.caslpa.ca and www.speechandhearing.ca.

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For further information:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications, Western Health
637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER: Guidelines for Children’s Toys

Parents should:
• Encourage children to keep the volume low
• Limit playtime with noisy toys
• Substitute quieter toys or cover speakers with tape
• Teach children about potential damage to ears from noisy toys and activities
• Check the sound level of toys before you buy them
• Opt for toys with an on/off button or/and volume button

Good toys should:
• Be well constructed and safe
• Be attractive and interesting to the child
• Be suited to the child’s ability
• Be easy to clean
• Offer replacement parts
• Be able to be used in more than one than one way