How Noise Affects Children

Children hear many of the same noises as adults, but their smaller ear structures and longer lifetime of exposure mean the potential impact is greater. Loud events like fireworks or air shows can easily exceed 120 dB, and motorsports or live music can push even higher.

Research into noise and children has linked high exposure not only with hearing loss and tinnitus, but also with difficulties in concentration, increased stress, and poorer sleep. Even if the effects are not obvious straight away, the damage can build up over time.

Common Loud Situations for Children

Some noisy situations are easy to spot, others less so. Examples include:

• Fireworks displays and Bonfire Night
• Air shows, tractor rallies, and motorsport events
• Concerts, festivals, and school discos
• Busy sports matches and stadiums
• Loud cinemas or themed attractions

In all these cases, children are usually close to the action and may not move away from loud areas by themselves.

Choosing Hearing Protection for Kids

Fortunately, protecting children’s hearing is simple. Lightweight, adjustable children’s ear defenders are a great option for most noisy events. They are:

• Easy to put on and take off quickly
• Comfortable for smaller heads when correctly adjusted
• Reassuringly visible, so adults can see that protection is being worn

Many families also use soft silicone earplugs for older children and teenagers, particularly for sleeping in shared spaces, travelling, or swimming. Silicone plugs can help keep water out of the ears and reduce general noise without going deep into the ear canal.

Helping Children Build Good Habits

Teaching children about noise early helps them protect themselves later in life. Simple messages such as “if it’s too loud to talk normally, it’s time for ear defenders” are easy to understand. You can also:

• Keep a pair of child-sized ear defenders in the car for unexpected loud situations
• Encourage children to move back from speakers or noisy engines
• Set sensible volume limits on headphones and devices

If adults around them treat hearing protection as normal, children are more likely to wear it without fuss.

Small Steps, Long-Term Benefits

Children grow up fast, and their ears have to last a lifetime. A few simple precautions – like using defenders at fireworks, concerts, or motorsport events, and silicone plugs when needed – can make a lasting difference to how well they hear as adults.

Our hearing protection range includes options that are suitable for family use, from comfortable defenders to mouldable plugs that can help children feel more at ease in noisy or busy environments.