Abstract
Objective: To systematically quantify the amplitude of noise generated by toys intended for young children.
Method: From 2008 to 2011, greater than 200 toys intended for children under 5 years were screened for loudness. The toys with sound output of >80 dB were retested in a sound-proof audiometry booth. The generated sound amplitude of each toy was measured at speaker level and at 30 cm away from the speaker.
Results: Ninety different toys were analyzed. Mean noise amplitude peak at the speaker level was 99.5 dBA ± 8.1 SD (range, 80-121 dBA) and at 30 cm away from the speaker was 79.7 dBA ± 11.1 SD (range, 60-109 dBA). Eighty-one (90%) had more than 90 dBA noise amplitude at speaker level while 16 (22%) had more than 90 dBA noise amplitude at 30 cm distance. The mean noise amplitude of the loudest toys significantly decreased during the studied period (P < .001). There was no significant difference in mean noise amplitude of different toys specified for different ages.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the persistence of extremely loud toys marketed for very young children. Acoustic trauma from toys remains a potential risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss in this age group. Parents should be warned about the consequences of purchasing loud toys.
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