UC Irvine researchers from its otolaryngology department are saying that
the sounds coming from toys that make the loudest noises have been known
to hit decibel levels similar to sounds made by a subway train or a chainsaw.
10 toys that are popular among kids were tested for loudness.
The toys’ sound levels were measured while the objects were placed
next to a speaker and from 12 inches away (the typical length from a toddler’s
head to his/her hand.) Researchers say that these two distances are representative
of the way that young children handle such toys–at arm’s length
and held up to their ear. Per the study, some toys, including the Road
Rippers, Tonka Mighty Motorized Fire Engine, and T-Pain Mic hit 100 decibels
or higher when placed next to a speaker. At a 12-inch distance, the same
toys reached decibels in the mid- to upper-60′s, which the American
Academy of Otolaryngology reports is the level of noise a car might emit
for someone observing the vehicle at a close distance. Noise/Sounds from
the following toys when placed near a speaker hit the 90 decibels and
higher range:
• Sesame Street Let’s Rock Elmo
• VTech Princes Magical Learning Wand
• Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Cosmic Blaster
• Marvel Super Shield Captain America
Considering that hearing loss can result from noise louder than 85 decibels,
and, per study director Dr. Hamid R. Djalilian, young children are likely
to place a toy emitting noise next to their ears to confirm the source
of the sound, are these toys safe for use? If you believe that your child
suffered hearing loss or any other injury as a result of a toy or another
product, you should speak with a products liability lawyer immediately
to find out whether you have a child injury case on your hands.
Djalilian said that most toys that make noise, if used properly, shouldn’t
pose any danger to kids. However, the researchers are recommending that
a speaker on any toy should be located on its bottom side. They are also
suggesting that buyers test toys that emit noises to make sure they aren’t
too loud before purchasing them.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, toys that
make noises so loud that they can potentially cause hearing damage include
certain cap guns, toy vehicles with sirens or horns, walkie-talkies, talking
dolls, toys with cranks, musical instruments, and squeaky rubber toys.
Improper use of noisy toys can also up the risk of hearing loss.
It is important that toymakers warn of the risk of potential hearing loss
posed by any toy and include instructions for safe and proper use. Hearing
loss not only impairs a child’s ability to hear and experience the
world, but also it may impede speech development, language development,
learning, communication, social development, and self-esteem. The repercussions
of hearing loss during childhood can seriously impact adulthood.
Study: Improper Use of Noisy Toys May Lead to Hearing Loss for Children,
Fox News, December 5, 2007
Study: Toys can be too loud, Daily Pilot, December 22, 2011
Effects of Hearing Loss on Development, American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association
More Blog Posts:
Prevent Child Injuries This Holiday Season By Avoiding Dangerous and Defective
Toys, Product Liability Law Blog, November 23, 2011
Swallowing High-Powered Magnets Can Be Deadly for Kids, Warns CPSC, Product
Liability Law Blog, November 6, 2011
Little Tikes Recalls Another 1.7 Million Toy Workshop and Tool Sets Over
Choking Hazard, Product Liability Law Blog, October 6, 2011
Contact our toy defect law firm to request your free case evaluation with The Gilbert Law Group®.
