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Toys, and even toys that make noise are an important part of childhood development - but we want everyone to be aware and buy SAFE toys - it's all about PREVENTION!

Children are especially at risk to noise because their bodies are still developing. When children play they generally hold toys close to their ears and while this practice may be safe for the majority of toys, certain toys can pose a danger to your child's hearing. Generally, the risk depends on the noise level at the child's ear and how long the child is exposed to the noise. Toys are regulated under the Hazardous Products Act by Health Canada. Toys that emit levels exceeding 100 decibel levels (dB) are banned and though Health Canada follows very strict guidelines, some toys still have the potential to harm hearing. Whistles or toy cap guns for example can reach levels of 110 to 135 dB, a level of noise similar to a rock concert or jet flyover!

Here are some tips that you can follow to diminish your child's risk:

• Purchase toys that have on/off switches.
• Purchase toys with volume control.
• Check for noise level labels on toys.
• Listen to the toy yourself before making a purchase.
• Teach your children about the potential danger to their ears from noisy toys and noisy activities.
• Reduce time your child spends playing with noisy toys.
• Remove the batteries of noisy toys.
• Supervise young children when they play with toys that emit sounds.
• Discuss with children the proper way to handle their toys. Toys should be played with at arms length, not at face/ear level.
• Turn down the volume of toys with headsets (personal stereos etc.).
• Purchase alternate toys such as books and puzzles that target language and literacy skills.

Share these tips with friends and relatives that may be purchasing toys for your child.

Noise damage is 100% preventable. If you have to raise your voice above the noise level to be heard, the NOISE IS TOO LOUD.

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