• Toys are regulated under the Hazardous Products Act by Health Canada. Toys that emit levels exceeding 100 dB are banned. Health Canada follows very strict guidelines and we applaud their efforts.
• We are not telling parents not to buy toys - we are following our mandate to provide the public with a preventative message during this busy time of year.
• Some toys have the potential to harm hearing if they are activated at a child's ear level. The loudest we have tested is a squeaky toy that can produce up to 110 dB!
• The harm may come via tinnitus or very subtle damage to the hair cells.
• There are suggestions on what parents and caregivers can do to avoid noise damage: reduce time spent with noisy toys, supervise young children, turn down the volume (stereos, headsets), etc. We want the public to think "ear protection" when they hear a loud sound - just like we think bicycle helmets when someone mentions riding a bike.
• Noise damage is preventable. Helpful hint - if a noise is so loud that you have to raise your voice above the noise, it may be considered loud.
• Most Canadians take communication for granted. One in 10 Canadians has a speech, language, or hearing disorder which hinders their capacity to communicate.
• Early identification and rehabilitation of speech and hearing disorders help prevent communication difficulties in school, on the job, and in social situations.
• Audiologists are essential members of the health care team who are trained to evaluate and treat a full range of hearing disorders. There are over 1,100 audiologists working in Canada.
• Audiologists work within the school, healthcare, or private sectors to improve the quality of life of people who have communication disorders.
• We want everyone to hear for a lifetime because "Every person deserves a voice and every voice deserves to be heard."

Other Noise Facts

• Noise is a silent enemy. It is so much a part of our lives that we often do not realize its presence. It surrounds our workplace and every other aspect of our lives.
• Noise can harm you. If you are exposed to loud noise on a continuing basis, your hearing is in danger. Protect yourself from loud noise by wearing earplugs or other protective equipment. If you have trouble hearing what others say or your ears are ringing, have your hearing checked by an audiologist.
• If you find yourself in a noisy environment, give some thought as to what damage the noise can be doing to your hearing. If you have to shout over a noise, it is too loud. If your ears ring or buzz, it is too loud. Consider the source of the noise. If the noise is caused by something out of your control, such as related to industry, ensure that proper hearing protection is provided and limit time exposed to the noise.
• If you suspect you suffer from noise induced hearing loss or other complications such as tinnitus, there is help. Please contact an audiologist at a Centre near you.

Adapted from material developed by Nova Scotia Speech and Hearing Centres and Foundation