The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) has released its 2017 list of the top-15 noisiest toys. Noisy toys are categorized as any toy that reaches a sound level of 85 dB or higher consistently.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 85 dB is the maximum volume a child should be exposed to for no more than eight hours. Sounds louder than 100 dB can damage hearing in less than 15 minutes.
Noise is the number one cause of hearing loss. Nearly 15 percent of school-age children (ages 6-19) have some degree of hearing loss.
“Every parent wants to keep their child safe and out of harm’s way,” said Sherri Collins, executive director of ACDHH. “However, they may not realize the danger that a toy’s noise level can pose to their child’s hearing. We want to raise awareness of these dangers to help keep children’s hearing intact.”
ACDHH researched some of the season’s most popular toys and found many that are too noisy and considered dangerous. Each decibel test was taken as if the child placed their ear next to the speaker. If your shopping list includes toys for the children in your life, you may want to look at the list below before purchasing.
Topping the noisy toys list:
- Just Like Home Workshop Power Hedge Trimmer & Goggles: 105.2 dB
- Marvel Spider-Man – Marvel’s Vulture 12-inch Action Figure: 105 dB
- Fast Lane Jump Starters Vehicle – Kawasaki Ninja: 104 dB
- Bruin – Rhythm ‘n Beatz Drum: 102.7 dB
- LeapFrog My Talking LapPup: 102 dB
- Marvel Spider-Man – Eye FX Electronic 12-inch Action Figure: 101.5 dB
- Baby Alive – Super Snacks Snackin’ Noodles Baby: 101 dB
- Marvel Avengers Civil War Captain America Titan Hero 12-inch Action Figure – Marvel’s Falcon: 100.5 dB
- Fisher-Price Bright Beats Juniors BeatBo Playset: 100 dB
- VTech Ultimate Alphabet Activity Cube: 98 dB
- Fast Lane Light & Sound Police Motorcycle: 97.5 dB
- Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar: 97.1 dB
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol. 2 – Groot Action Figure: 97 dB
- Little Tikes Pop Tunes Guitar: 94.7 dB
- Bruin – My First Phone: 91 dB
“It’s important to keep in mind how your child uses the toy and other factors that contribute to the decibel levels,” said Collins. “Children aren’t always using these toys at arm’s length as they may be intended. It’s also important to consider the decibel levels of other sounds around the child in addition to the toy, such as the television, kids yelling or other toys.”
ACDHH recommends parents refrain from purchasing these noisy toys and instead consider safer alternatives. If the toy has volume control, ensure it’s always set to the lowest level. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive and free smartphone apps are available to test the sound levels of any toy you may be considering buying or have already purchased.