Hearing Protection for Kids
For kids, we need to think about several things when choosing an earplug or earmuff.
Size and Weight
Adult sizes may not fit kids’ ears and may be uncomfortable if too heavy
Activity Proof
Kids are very active, and the hearing protection has to stay in place.
Best Type for Communication
Parents need to be able to communicate with their children while wearing hearing protection. So, there is a need to find the balance between the amount of attenuation that is needed and the ability to communicate with each other. Electronic earmuffs may be a good solution for some situations where audibility is especially important.
Style
Pick colors and devices that are fun to wear.
Ease of use
Ideally, kids should be able to put the earplug in their own ears or the earmuffs over their ears.
Choosing the Best Earmuff for Kids
There are no guidelines for selecting or recommending hearing protection for children. Child-sized earmuffs are likely best for children older than 6 months of age. It is important to select earmuffs that will fit the child’s head and seal around the ear. Earmuffs should have earcups that are small enough to allow the cushions to seal on the child’s head and have headbands that allow for a secure and comfortable fit.
Poor fitting earmuffs on an infant.
Proper fit with headband close to head.
Poor fitting adult earmuff on child.
Proper fit of an adult earmuff on an older youth.
Physical activity can sometimes cause loose-fitting earmuffs to shift position and lose the seal with the head. For instance, when shooting a firearm, the recoil may jolt the earmuff and cause it to lose the seal.
Helping children have positive experiences with hearing protection at young ages will help them adopt the “protect your ears” strategy as they get older.