Is Baby Ear Protection Necessary? Ear Plug & Hearing Guide
Contents
As an adult, we know our ears are sensitive to the nearly deafening sounds of blaring music, airplanes, and crowded streets.
Babies are more vulnerable, partly because they have thinner skulls than adults and can't move away from loud noise on their own.
Fortunately, baby ear protection can make a noisy world seem a little quieter, and a little less scary.
When looking for the right kind of ear protection it’s important to consider what your baby’s needs are.
Will it be used to tone down a loud event, or to keep water out at bath and swim time?
Don't leave earmuffs or a headband on a sleeping baby. NIH's Safe to Sleep campaign says to keep baby's head and face uncovered and the sleep area clear.
The two main types of baby hearing protection are ear muffs and ear plugs.
For babies and toddlers, earmuffs are usually the better choice. NIDCD notes that earmuffs come in infant sizes and are easier for young children to use than earplugs, and that sound at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.
Below is a list of the most popular brands in these two categories.
Snug Safe n Sound Kids Earmuffs
One of the most popular brands of earmuffs are by Snug.
Their Safe n Sound Earmuffs for kids offer comfort and protection.
As parents we all have to consider the idea that no matter where we go, our child may have to go with us.
With the Safe n Sound Kids Earmuffs you won’t have to worry about a crowded shopping center or roaring sporting event, as they’re ideal for blocking out noise.
These earmuffs have padded ear cushions and are lightweight, making them comfortable to little ears.
They're built to be durable; check the listing for current warranty terms.
These earmuffs are available in a wide variety of colours and are adjustable, so they will grow with your child.
Baby Banz Infant Hearing Protection Earmuff
For tiny ears, Baby Banz Infant Hearing Protection Earmuffs offer great baby ear protection.
Made for babies, these earmuffs are compact.
This makes them very convenient as they can be slipped into a diaper bag along with other necessities like diapers and baby wipes.
They're also lightweight and made with soft cushioned cups. This ensures that your baby will be comfortable while wearing them.
They can be hand washed, so you don't have to worry about little fingers making them sticky.
Em’s 4 Bubs Hearing Protection Baby Earmuffs
For a different type of baby earmuff, Em’s 4 Bubs Baby Earmuffs are both unique in design, and very stylish.
Available in several colors and patterns, these earmuffs are designed just for infants, and offer great baby ear protection.
Uniquely, these earmuffs are made to fit snugly around a baby’s forehead instead over the top of their head. The headband is adjustable, made with elastic, and secures with velcro.
Parents mainly use them at loud events. Take them off before your baby sleeps unattended.
The Em’s 4 Bubs Hearing Protection Baby Earmuffs are sold for babies from newborn to about 18 months old.
PUTTY BUDDIES Floating Earplugs
Noise isn’t the only things little ears need protection from.
Swimming and bath time can be potential pains if care isn’t taken to protect babies’ ears.
PUTTY BUDDIES Floating Earplugs are a water-blocking option for kids.
Many children with ear tubes don't need earplugs for swimming at all, so ask your child's ear, nose, and throat doctor first.
PUTTY BUDDIES are soft, moldable silicone ear plugs that offer great protection from water for your child’s ears.
They’re used by molding the putty over the ear canal. These earplugs come in a variety of colours, and can be torn, molded, and shaped to any size ear.
Replace them when they get dirty, and supervise young children, since small earplugs can be a choking hazard.
Although these ear plugs are perfect for keeping water out of your child’s ear, these ear plugs are not for noise reduction.
Flents Seal-Rite Kids Silicone Ear Plugs
Another great option for bath and swim time, Flents Seal-Rite Kids Silicone Ear Plugs offer protection for children and babies against water.
In addition to protection against water, many reviewers have said they also work well in helping to lessen loud noises.
These pliable silicone ear plugs fit easily over the ear and can be molded to create a seal. Parents often use them for kids who are prone to ear infections or have ear tubes, when their doctor advises it.
Conclusion
Ears, especially little ones, need a lot of protection. In addition, protecting ears early in life can benefit your children throughout their entire lives.
No matter if you want to protect them from water, or loud, over-whelming noises, there are many different forms of ear protection to choose from.
From moldable silicon, to snug fitting ear muffs, there are a lot of fantastic products that can provide your baby hearing protection.
Sources
- Protect Your Child's Hearing, NIDCD, National Institutes of Health
- Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk, Safe to Sleep, NICHD
