Loudness and acoustic parameters of popular children's toys

ObjectiveThis project was conducted to evaluate the loudness and acoustic parameters of toys designed for children. In addition, we investigated whether occluding the toys’ speaker with tape would result in a significant loudness reduction; thereby potentially reducing the risk of noise induced hearing loss.MethodsTwenty-six toys were selected after an initial screening at two national retailers. Noise amplitudes at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz were measured using a digital sound level meter at a distance of 0 and 30 cm. The toys’ speakers were then occluded using adhesive tape and the same acoustic parameters were re-measured.ResultsMean maximum noise amplitude of the toys at 0 cm and 30 cm was 104 dB A (range, 97–125 dB A) and 76 dB A (range, 67–86 dB A), respectively. Mean maximum noise amplitude after occlusion at 0 cm and 30 cm distances was 88 dB A (range, 73–110 dB A) and 66 dB A (range, 55–82 dB A), respectively, with a p-value <0.001.ConclusionsProper use of the loudest toys at a distant of 30 cm between the speaker and the child's ear will likely not pose a risk of noise-induced hearing loss. However, since most toys are used at closer distances, use of adhesive tape is recommended as an effective modification to decrease the risk of hearing loss.