Turn It Down! The Effects of Noise on Your Child

Dr. Lawrence Feth, PhD, professor of speech and hearing science at Ohio State explains that sound bounces off of hard surfaces, and classrooms normally have hard floors and walls. "When sound bounces around it creates its own masking noise, and interferes with understanding speech," he said.

Dr. Gail Whitelaw, PhD, adjunct associate professor of speech and hearing science at Ohio State, adds that children are particularly sensitive to bad acoustics because they are still learning language, while adults' larger vocabulary helps them mentally compensate when they can't hear clearly.

What This Means for Parents

So, what can you do as a parent to prevent noise from harming your baby or older child?

• In a nutshell, avoid noise and minimize your family's exposure whenever possible. Nobody in their right mind would jeopardize their vision by staring directly at the sun; our hearing deserves the same consideration. The television and stereos can be turned down. Headphones, video arcades, and noisy toys can be kept to a minimum or ruled out.
  
  
• For pregnant women, Dr. Kenneth Gerhardt, MD, of Florida University says, "While we don't have direct information, we recommend that pregnant women avoid such noise exposures if possible. The rule of thumb is that if you have to speak loudly to be understood, that noise environment is potentially dangerous to your hearing and your infant's hearing."
  
  
• Parents can lobby for more laws and government efforts to control noise pollution at all levels, including toys and around airports.
  
  
• Use protective devices such as ear plugs and mufflers if you know that you or your family will be exposed to a loud noise (workmen drilling in the walls, lawnmowers, motor boats, jet skis, and so on).
  
  
• Homes, schools, and childcare centers can be redesigned with sound buffers in mind. Sound waves bounce off hard surfaces, high ceilings can aggravate sound reverberation. Though carpeting may be hazardous to children with allergies and asthma, soft surfaces, including pillows and curtains, can help buffer sound. Says Dr. Maxwell, "Sometimes the noise source is the design of the spaces. Designers should keep in mind the use of the spaces they are creating. In child care centers, spaces must allow for the fact that children need to make noise, but the subsequent noise levels should not be harmful to them or others in the center."
  
  
• Finally, seek professional assistance immediately if you suspect that your child may have a hearing problem. A ringing sensation in the ear is a sure sign of hearing damage. Defeating Deafness lists some of the signs of hearing loss that deserve attention:
  
  • If your child doesn't react when called
    
  • Appears inattentive or prone to daydreaming
    
  • Talks too loudly
    
  • Mispronounces words
    
  • Becomes unsettled at school
    
  • Is often tired, grumpy, or over-active