If your little ones are music aficionados, the quest to unravel the best noise-cancelling headphones for kids becomes indispensable. As an accessory that can enhance your child’s musical experience, the safety aspect of these headphones must not be overlooked.
Noise-cancelling headphones are a crucial purchase for parents, especially in an era where excessive noise exposure can lead to hearing loss in kids. From bustling airports, concerts, festivals, to firework displays, and even schools, these venues are often hotspots for high decibel levels.
But the benefits of these headphones extend beyond just hearing protection. Children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other sensory and hearing processing difficulties can immensely benefit from the noise reduction offered by noise-cancelling headphones. Given that schools aren’t soundproofed, it’s essential to take precautions to maintain the learning capacity of such children.
This buying guide aims to equip you with the necessary information to make an informed purchase decision when it comes to kid’s headphones. The market offers a plethora of options, and with varying designs, specifications, and budgets, the choices are plenty.
Buyer’s Guide for Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Kids
Navigating the sea of options to select the perfect noise-cancelling headphones for your child can prove to be a daunting task. However, with a keen eye for detail and consideration of several key factors such as comfort, sound quality, safety, and longevity, the process becomes much more manageable.
To ensure your child is getting the best headphones suited to their needs, look for headphones that are specifically designed with kids in mind, featuring smaller sizes to fit their heads comfortably. By avoiding common pitfalls and considering what to prioritize, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal noise-cancelling headphones for your child’s listening enjoyment.
Here we detail what to consider when choosing headphones for your children.
Our Top 10 Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids in 2023
1. PuroQuiets by Puro Sound Labs
Although many companies make headphones for children, Puro Sound Labs has been singled out by experts for its commitment to preserving healthy hearing. Their headphones use advanced DSP to limit the volume to 85dB. They also feature a Puro Balanced Response Curve (inspired by Audio Engineering Society research into sound quality preferences and accuracy) to ensure exceptional sound quality, eliminating the need for louder volume.
PuroQuiets kids noise cancelling headphones silences the world so children can hear clearly in noisy environments without the need to turn up the volume beyond safe listening levels. These headphones make everyday noise and background sounds up to 22dB quieter, complemented by 82% noise isolation.
With limited volume for children’s hearing safety, a limited volume of 85dB is the maximum safe listening level, as recommended by many organizations. Intelligent digital signal processing subtly limits the volume, so listeners don’t even notice. These are the perfect lightweight headphones for kids and teens.
The product’s advantage is that it offers automatic control of the intensity of the sound played, in contrast to other headphones on the market where parents have to configure locks and limits by themselves, a task that may not be easy and affordable for everyone.
Aimed at portability and use with cell phones and similar devices, the Pure Sound Labs headset can be folded for transport. According to the manufacturer, the material of the pads and the aluminum handle ensure comfort, even in situations of prolonged use.
Long-lasting Bluetooth Headphones – One-touch Bluetooth pairing with iPhone, Android and other compatible devices allows for hassle-free listening, while the 9.14m range allows for free movement! The wireless mode eliminates all dangers of tangles in audio cables
Enjoy up to 22 hours of non-ANC playback time (16 hours with ANC) and 200 hours of standby time. The PuroQuiet can playing all day – and beyond. Quickly charge the lithium-ion battery with the included USB cable or switch to wired use with the included noise limiting cable.
The aluminum housing and plush ear tips reduce external noise by 1% at 1kHz, eliminating the need for louder music signals.
This earphone is above all dedicated by its size to children, however, an adult can also use them since the headband is adjustable. The comfort is appreciable, the materials used are pleasant to the touch. Whether they will last remain to be seen.
The sound is soft, you really feel the effect of the level limiter at 85db. No need to activate the headphones to listen to music. I also note a button to activate the Bluetooth function and connect the wireless earphone, as well as a direct volume control on the left shell.
Comes in the box, a carrying pouch, the pair of headphones, the USB / mini-USB wire for charging the headphones to activate the mode (ANC) and a stereo mini-jack wire to connect to a player / music broadcaster.
- Advanced DSP limits volume to 85dB
- Exceptional sound quality without the need for louder volume.
- One-touch Bluetooth pairing allows for hassle-free listening
- 22-hour non-ANC playback time and 200-hour standby time
- Comes with a carrying pouch, USB/mini-USB wire, and stereo mini-jack wire
- Not most suitable for extreme use.
- Expensive
2. LilGadgets Untangled Pro
As the name implies, Lilgadget is a company dedicated to making quality audio and entertainment devices for kids. Lilgadget Untangle Pro Bluetooth headphones is their flagship headphone meant for kids aged 4+. Though the product website indicates age 4+, it has been confirmed that most kids age 2-3 years can fit into these headphones also.
A crucial design concept for the headphones was to eliminate the use of wires in other to ensure kids safety and also give them the freedom to move around while using the headphone. Lilgadget Untangle Pro Bluetooth headphones is beautiful and would catch the attention of most kids.
They have a stylish design that will be embraced well by most kids. You can select from 6 different colors. It has a long battery life of up to 10-hours and 180-hour standby. It comes packed with a travel pouch and a USB charging cable. It also contains a 3.5mm audio cable as a backup with a detailed manual that is easy to use. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT:
SharePort: The headphones have inbuilt SharePorts which eliminate the need for splitters if you need to pair 2 kids to the same audio source. Lilgadget Untangle Pro will pair with the device via Bluetooth while any other headphone can connect via the SharePort to share audio.
Passive Noise Reduction: The headphone is designed and made with materials that reduces external noise by 13 decibels.
Built in Microphone: The headphone is equipped with wireless microphone while in Bluetooth mode and also an in-line microphone is supplied with the detachable 3.5mm audio cable.
Volume Limited: The maximum volume on the headphone is set to 93db. This reduces the risk of hearing loss even if you kid mistakenly takes it to high volume.
- Available in 6 playful color variation loved by kids.
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Firm fit around the head
- Volume limited
- Great customer service from product manufacturers
- Not completely collapsible
- Slightly fragile especially when put through harsh use
3. PROHEAR 032 Kids Ear Protection
The PROHEAR 032 Kids Ear Protection Headphones are designed to provide the ultimate comfort and safety for your little ones. These earmuffs come with a durable ABS shell, ultra-soft and extremely lightweight material, and are imported. The vivid, flamboyant colors, including the “Lollipop” design, are sure to appeal to kids of all ages, and the unique craftsmanship ensures the color will not fade over time.
The 360° rotatable cups and ultra-soft ear cushions design completely wrap the child’s ear, ensuring they are comfortable while wearing it for long periods of time. The fully wrapped padded headband adds to the comfort, security, stability, and durability of the product, making sure your child’s head is fully protected and comfortable at all times.
The headphones are also easy to carry, with an adjustable headband and 360° rotatable cups design that allows you to fold them into a compact size that fits in the smallest of spaces. The headphones come with a travel drawstring bag for easy transport.
PROHEAR is a company that has spent the past 15 years solely focused on hearing protection and optimization. The company stands behind the quality of their hearing protectors and offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you have any problems with the product, the company is available 24/7 to assist you.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT:
Technical Details:
The PROHEAR 032 Kids Ear Protection Headphones have a weight of 6.9 ounces and dimensions of 4.72 x 3.66 x 4.72 inches. The style is a 1 Pack – Orange-lollipop with a Candy Pattern and Lollipop design. The headphones do not require batteries and have a sound level of 25 dB. The headphones are foldable and have replaceable ear pads.
What Buyers are Saying:
PROHEAR 032 Kids Ear Protection Headphones are of OK quality, providing good value for the price. They are comfortable, adjustable, and have a good sound cancellation level, although they are not ideal for use in loud environments like gun ranges. The colorful shells are a nice touch, and the headphones have been a game-changer for sound-sensitive kids who struggle in loud situations.
Some buyers reported that the headphones are very comfortable and that their kids enjoy wearing them, while others said they are not 100% noise-canceling but still provide enough protection to enjoy activities like going to theme parks. Some parents also reported that their kids with sensory disorders were able to enjoy new experiences thanks to the headphones.
Overall, the PROHEAR 032 Kids Ear Protection Headphones are a great option for parents looking for affordable, comfortable, and safe ear protection for their kids.
- Light-weight. Just 6.9 ounces.
- 25 dB noise reduction
- Vivid and flamboyant colors that appeal to kids.
- Durable comfortable ultra-soft ear cushions.
- Adjustable headband, foldable design and replaceable ear pads.
- May not have enough expansion for larger headsize.
- Noise for total/100% noise cancellationse
4. Alpine Muffy Kids Earmuffs
The Muffy Kids earmuffs are specially designed to provide comfort to children. The earmuffs are constructed using a soft, lightweight material that is gentle on kids’ skin, while also being easy to clean, ideal for busy parents. The adjustable headband promises a secure fit, and the earmuffs come complete with a free travel bag, ready for any adventure.
With 1 in 8 kids at risk of permanent hearing damage due to exposure to loud noises, Alpine Muffy Kids earmuffs provide essential protection against the potential harm of loud sounds such as concerts, airplanes, parades, fireworks, and more. The earmuffs have been tested and certified to deliver a remarkable acoustic attenuation of 21 to 28 dB, meeting US and EU regulations.
These earmuffs are also a perfect fit for kids with autism or sensory issues, providing relief from sensory overload and other external triggers through their noise reduction capabilities. And, having been approved by kids themselves, parents can rest easy knowing that their child’s comfort and hearing safety are in good hands.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT:
Technical Details:
The Muffy Kids earmuffs boast a 25 dB sound level, made of rubber and available in a sleek blue color. They are adjustable for a snug fit, modern in design, and do not require batteries. The item package quantity is 1.
What Buyers are Saying:
Based on customer reviews, the Muffy Kids earmuffs have received positive feedback, with buyers praising their effectiveness in reducing noise. While they may not be entirely noise-cancelling, they are deemed comfortable, durable, and well-made. While some customers have noted that they are pricier than other options, they are considered a more attractive, higher-quality alternative.
Parents have claimed that the earmuffs have been a lifesaver for their sound-sensitive children, providing them with better concentration and comfort, particularly for homeschooled kids and those with autism. The only criticism has been related to younger children lacking the strength to put the earmuffs on by themselves.
In conclusion, the Alpine Muffy Kids noise-cancelling earmuffs are an excellent choice for parents who seek to protect their child’s hearing. They are comfortable, practical, and effective, providing noise reduction and a free travel bag. With approval from kids, the earmuffs are also a safe option for families, particularly for those with autism or sensory issues.
- Lightweight. Just 6.2 ounces
- Remarkable noise reduction up to 21 to 28 dB
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable headband promises a secure fit.
- Non music play.
- Pricier than other options.
- Younger children may lack the strength to put the earmuffs on by themselves.
5. Puro Sound Labs BT2200s
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200s are a pair of on-ear headphones designed to be safer for kids. They have a maximum volume limit of 85dB, following the World Health Organization’s recommendation to protect young listeners’ eardrums from hearing damage. The headphones have a patent-pending Puro Balanced Response Curve, which provides kids and teens with studio-grade audio quality with clear vocals and full dynamic bass.
The BT2200 headphones from Puro Sound Labs seem to be a popular choice for parents looking for headphones for their children. The main selling points for these headphones are their emphasis on protecting young listeners’ hearing, studio-grade audio quality, and long-lasting battery life.
The 85dB volume limit and 82% ambient noise isolation provide added protection for your child’s ears, while the built-in microphone and Bluetooth capabilities make it convenient for online learning and video calls.
The BT2200s feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, 20 hours of battery life, 83% ambient noise isolation, a built-in microphone, and a daisy chain sharing cable. They are also certified as Sensory Inclusive, partnering with KultureCity to raise awareness about sensory sensitivity and offer hearing protection for children and adults. The headphones are comfortable to wear, with an adjustable headband and cushioned ear pads. The customer reviews of the product are generally positive, with reviewers praising the sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. However, some reviewers have reported that the headband may break easily.
According to customer reviews, the headphones are comfortable and well-made, with great sound quality. However, some reviewers mention that the headband can be fragile and break easily. Despite the higher cost, many buyers feel that the headphones are worth the investment for the quality and protection they provide.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for headphones that prioritize the safety of your child’s hearing, the BT2200 headphones from Puro Sound Labs could be a great choice. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty, it might be worth considering this option before making a purchase.
- 85dB volume limit for added protection.
- Studio-grade audio quality with clear vocals and full dynamic bass.
- Long-lasting battery life of 20 hours.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Certified as Sensory Inclusive, partnering with KultureCity to raise awareness about sensory sensitivity and offer hearing protection for children and adults.
- A little fragile.
- Slightly expensive
6. Noot K11 Kids Headphones
Noot K11 Foldable Stereo Headphones was designed for kids with an an impressive overall design and functionality.
Noot K11 headphones are incredibly lightweight, making them comfortable for kids to wear for extended periods of time. The foldable design also makes them easy to store and transport, which is especially convenient for families on the go. The headphones come with an adjustable headband to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for children of all ages.
In terms of sound quality, the Noot K11 headphones deliver clear and balanced sound with a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz. The built-in volume limiter prevents kids from turning the volume up too loud and potentially damaging their hearing. The headphones also have a 3.5mm jack, making them compatible with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
One potential downside to these headphones is that the build quality feels a bit flimsy, which could be a concern for parents worried about the headphones getting damaged easily. Additionally, while the volume limiter is an important safety feature, some kids may find it frustrating that they can’t turn up the volume beyond a certain level.
Overall, the Noot K11 Foldable Stereo Headphones are a great option for parents looking for a durable, comfortable, and safe pair of headphones for their kids. The lightweight and foldable design make them easy to store and transport, while the built-in volume limiter ensures that kids can enjoy their music or movies without damaging their hearing.
Recommend the Noot K11 Foldable Stereo Headphones for parents looking for a quality pair of headphones for their kids. With their lightweight design, clear sound quality, and built-in volume limiter, these headphones are sure to please both parents and children alike.
- Lightweight and foldable design
- Built-in volume limiter for safe listening
- Clear and balanced sound quality
- Build quality feels a bit flimsy
- Volume limiter may frustrate some kids
7. JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Kids Headphones
One of those headphones made with kids in mind offering a comfortable and durable design, wireless connectivity, and impressive sound quality. Let’s dive into the technical details and my personal experience with the product.
JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which provides a reliable and stable wireless connection with a range of up to 30 feet. This means that your child can move around freely without the need for messy wires or cables. Additionally, the headphones come with an easy-to-use control panel on the earcup that allows your child to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and take phone calls without the need for assistance.
In terms of sound quality, the JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless headphones boast 40mm drivers that deliver crisp and clear audio across a wide range of frequencies. The bass is punchy and tight, and the midrange and treble are well-balanced. Moreover, the headphones feature a volume limiter that caps the volume at 85 decibels, which is the recommended safe level for kids.
The headphones are also designed with the safety and comfort of kids in mind. They come with hypoallergenic ear cushions that are soft and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The earcups are also adjustable to fit the varying head sizes of kids. The headphones are made of durable materials that can withstand the rough handling of kids, making them a reliable choice for parents.
One downside to the JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless headphones is that they do not have active noise cancellation (ANC). This means that outside noise can still be heard, which may be distracting in noisy environments. However, this is not a deal-breaker as the headphones still deliver impressive sound quality.
JLab JBuddies Pro Wireless Over-Ear Kids Headphones are an excellent choice for parents who want to provide their kids with a safe, comfortable, and high-quality listening experience. With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, impressive sound quality, and a volume limiter, these headphones offer a range of features that make them a standout choice for kids. While they do lack ANC, the overall value and features of the headphones make them a great investment for parents.
- Comfortable and adjustable ear cushions
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with a range of up to 30 feet
- Volume limiter at 85 decibels for safe listening
- No active noise cancellation (ANC)
8. Lilgadgets Connect+
LilGadgets Connect+ Style Wired Kids Headphones with SharePort comes packed with features that make them an excellent choice for parents looking to purchase headphones for their little ones.
One of the standout features of the LilGadgets Connect+ Style headphones is their SharePort technology. This feature allows multiple headphones to be connected to a single device, which means siblings or friends can easily share and listen to the same content. This feature is especially useful during long car rides or when parents want to keep their kids entertained on a flight.
The LilGadgets Connect+ Style headphones are also designed with durability in mind. The headphones feature a tangle-free cable and are built with high-quality materials that are both flexible and durable. This makes them an ideal choice for parents looking for headphones that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
In terms of sound quality, the LilGadgets Connect+ Style headphones deliver a clear and balanced sound that is perfect for kids. The headphones are also volume-limited to 93db, which helps protect kids’ hearing from loud sounds and music.
One potential downside to the LilGadgets Connect+ Style headphones is that they are not wireless. This means that kids will need to be tethered to their device, which may limit their mobility somewhat. However, the tangle-free cable does make it easier for kids to move around without getting tangled up.
In terms of design, the LilGadgets Connect+ Style headphones are available in a variety of fun colors and patterns that kids will love. The headphones also feature a comfortable and adjustable headband and ear cups that are sized specifically for kids.
LilGadgets Connect+ Style Wired Kids Headphones with SharePort are an excellent choice for parents looking for durable and high-quality headphones for their kids. With their SharePort technology, clear sound, and comfortable design, these headphones are sure to keep kids entertained for hours on end.
Overall, I we recommend this headphones for parents looking for high-quality headphones for their kids. With their durable design, clear sound, and convenient SharePort technology, these headphones are sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.
- SharePort technology allows multiple headphones to be connected to a single device
- Volume-limited to 93db to protect kids’ hearing
- Available in a variety of fun colors and patterns
- Not wireless
- Tethered to device, limiting mobility somewhat
9. MIDOLA Kids Bluetooth Headphones
MIDOLA Wireless Bluetooth Headphones was designed to provide a safe and enjoyable listening experience for children. These headphones are an ideal choice for parents looking for volume-limiting headphones that are specifically tailored to their children’s needs.
They are lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear, which is essential for kids who are likely to wear them for extended periods. The headband is adjustable and can fit comfortably on a child’s head without causing any discomfort or pressure. The headphones are available in four different color options, which makes it easier for parents to choose the color that their child will like.
The MIDOLA Wireless Headphones for Kids use Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which ensures a stable and seamless connection with any Bluetooth-enabled device. This is a significant advantage as it eliminates the need for any cords or wires, which can pose a risk to kids.
In terms of sound quality, the headphones deliver excellent audio performance, with crisp and clear sound. The volume-limiting feature ensures that the sound levels do not exceed 85 dB, which is the maximum safe level recommended by experts for children.
One thing that buyers mentioned was that the volume-limiting feature can be too restrictive at times, especially for older children who may want to listen to music or videos at slightly higher volumes. However, this is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a design feature aimed at protecting children’s hearing.
In conclusion, the MIDOLA Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Kids are an excellent choice for parents looking for volume-limiting headphones that offer high-quality sound and a comfortable and safe listening experience for their children. The design is excellent, the connection is seamless, and the sound quality is outstanding. While the volume-limiting feature may be too restrictive for older children, this is a small price to pay for protecting your child’s hearing. Overall, these headphones are a solid investment for parents who want to keep their kids safe and entertained at the same time.
- Lightweight, durable and comfortable design.
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology for a stable and seamless connection.
- Excellent sound quality with volume-limiting feature.
- Volume-limiting feature can be too restrictive for older children.
10. BestGot Kids Headphones
BESTGOT Kids Bluetooth Headphones BT6002, a perfect gadget for kids who love music and video streaming. These headphones offer a fantastic overall listening experience, ensuring the little ones have an immersive experience with their music or videos.
Firstly, these headphones feature passive noise isolation, which helps to reduce external noise and distractions, but not to the level of active noise cancellation. Therefore, it ensures that the battery lasts longer while still maintaining the quality of the sound. BESTGOT Kids Bluetooth Headphones BT6002 have a wireless range of 33 feet, which means kids can use it without being tethered to a device, giving them more freedom of movement.
The headphones are made of lightweight yet solid materials, which makes them perfect for kids. The soft ear pads wrapped in protein leather simulate the texture of human skin, providing a comfortable feel when worn, and also, the closed design allows kids to be completely immersed in their own world.
One feature that makes these headphones stand out is the high-quality built-in microphone and volume control. These features allow kids to pick up incoming calls, enjoy voice chat or call communication while still listening to their favorite music or video. Additionally, the headphones provide up to 18 hours of playtime in wireless mode and can be used in wired mode with the provided 3.5mm cable.
Moreover, the BESTGOT Kids Bluetooth Headphones BT6002 headphones have an excellent Bluetooth function that makes pairing easy and quick with enabled devices. The built-in microphone can only be used in wireless mode, and the Siri smart voice dialing calls makes life and work more convenient.
Although a customer review mentioned that the charging port’s little metal piece fell into the headphone, which is a significant issue, it is not common with these headphones.
In conclusion, the BESTGOT Kids Bluetooth Headphones BT6002 are a fantastic product for kids that offer a great overall listening experience. The headphones’ wireless function provides more freedom of movement, while the high-quality built-in microphone and volume control ensure kids can pick up incoming calls and enjoy voice chat while still listening to their favorite music or video. Although it’s not perfect, it is a solid product that kids will love.
- Lightweight yet solid material.
- Provides up to 18 hours of playtime in wireless mode.
- Easy and quick pairing with enabled devices.
- May be a little tight for someone to wear.
- Built-in microphone only works in wireless mode.
Buyer’s Guide for Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Kids
Navigating the sea of options to select the perfect noise-cancelling headphones for your child can prove to be a daunting task. However, with a keen eye for detail and consideration of several key factors such as comfort, sound quality, safety, and longevity, the process becomes much more manageable.
To ensure your child is getting the best headphones suited to their needs, look for headphones that are specifically designed with kids in mind, featuring smaller sizes to fit their heads comfortably. By avoiding common pitfalls and considering what to prioritize, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the ideal noise-cancelling headphones for your child’s listening enjoyment.
Here we detail what to consider when choosing headphones for your children.
Kids Noise Cancelling Headphones Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Safe Headphones for Children?
The answer is yes, there are safe headphones for children, since the factories have designed devices that limit the audio emission up to 85dB, however, considering this, experts recommend not to exceed two hours a day for both children and adults, so even with maximum volume limits could cause problems in the ear.
Features to Consider to Choose the Most Convenient:
We already talked about one of the most important factors to take into account: safety, however to make a wise choice it is good to consider the following characteristics:
Audio Quality:
It is an important characteristic, just as adults have a requirement in the quality of audio, children also, apart from that they will enjoy better that surround sound offered by good quality devices.
Age Appropriateness:
When it comes to kids headphone you don’t just go for any available brand or option. This is because not all headphone have been manufactured for kids. The dangers are many and your responsibility as a parent is to ensure the safety of your child at all times.
If you decide to use an adult headphone with cords instead of a toddler friendly headphone, you just might be putting your child in danger. The importance of age appropriate headphone cannot be overemphasized.
Durability:
When a device is designed to be used by a child it needs to be made of resistant materials, capable of withstanding any knocks, trips, scratches and jerks to which the cables, connectors, lugs or headband are frequently subjected.
Control the Volume of your Child’s Headset with a Sound Limiter
Today’s kids handle mobile devices very easily, you’ll be surprised to see how they can search for their favorite video on the internet, even two-year-olds already know how to use mobile devices without their parents’ help.
Following the lines of parental control it is possible to filter the content to which the children are exposed, but what happens with the control of the volume, many parents do not know all the damage that can cause the ears of their children the high volume.
1. Why is it Important to Control the Volume?
When you hear about hearing loss, it is generally believed that it is related to extremely loud noises, for example that of heavy machinery, a gunshot, or even a pump, but the reality is that there are other noises that can affect the hearing in a silent way.
Something as simple as listening to very loud music, attending concerts with large sound systems, or mowing the lawn without adequate protection are some of the activities that contribute to the slow loss of hearing.
It is important to protect and educate the kids of the danger that runs when using the headphones with the volume cranked to the maximum, this way you avoid damage in the future.
However, this task is not as easy as it seems, when there are several children at home at some point one of them wants to watch his program while the other is making a lot of noise, the perfect solution is to turn up the volume to the maximum and thus not listen to his brother.
The little ones believe that when they turn up the volume to their headphones they can avoid external noises, thanks to the fact that a kind of auditory bubble is created and it really is that way, what they do not know is that this causes serious damage to their ears.
A new regulation of the European Union limits the output level of portable devices to 85 decibels (dB). This figure is the exact limit between a healthy use of headphone and the possibility of hurting the ears, however, many children are using older devices with a higher threshold of 100+ dB, which means they are at risk.
Another problem that arises is that not all parents buy their devices within the European Union, each time the eCommerce becomes more popular and in some cases it is cheaper, which makes trusting the regulation is not a solution.
The best solution to protect the ears of your child is to provide headphones that limit the volume, so you can be calm, even when you are not watching.
2. How do Volume Limiters Work?
The volume limiting devices are built-in resistors to the hearing aid, sometimes it can be found in the phono connector, in the cable, or even inside the headphone, everything will depend on the model and the design.
The resistance is an electrical component that creates resistance in the circuit where it is located, in this way it helps to reduce the flow of the current from the main device to the headphones, consequently the volume will be reduced.
Commercial solutions are not very popular and reduce the volume by 20 to 30 percent, many people are inclined towards home-made models, they are not very difficult to build and can be an excellent pastime.
The volume limiters come in two presentations: the complete headphones and the additional adapters. For the adapters to work they must be inserted between the headphones and the source device, it is a kind of extension.
3. Where can I find Volume Limiting Headphones and Adapters?
There are a lot of models and brands that are sold both offline and online. Amazon is a good place to buy them online. If you are already determined to acquire this type of limiters, now you must evaluate which is the best for your child.
The headphones that block the most efficient external sound are those of closed monitor or in-ear headphones, so your little one will not be forced to want to increase the level of music, choose a good headset without exceeding your budget.
3.1 Headband Headphones
This type of headphones are perfect for the little ones, thanks to its closed design since most of the models are adjustable, they remain on the child’s ear adapting perfectly to the wide variety of heads, besides being foldable you can be used for a long time.
You can get a headset with volume limitation, there is a wide variety of colors, they are quite comfortable and resistant for children of different ages.
Among the innovations that bring to the market some models of headset headphones or as some prefer to call them in the form of helmets is the “SharePort”, this is a hole where you can connect another headset to share what is being heard.
3.2 In-Ear Headphones
When children grow up they prefer to use less flashy headphone, there is a wide variety of in-ear headphones with sound limiter to select, some even connect through Bluetooth. This type of headphone have a kind of earplug that muffles the sound allowing its quality to be very good.
Some models can filter around 30-40 dB of background noise. Thanks to its design, it blocks outside noise so that it is not necessary to increase the volume.
3.3 Headphone Adapters
The most universal of the solutions are the adapters. If the headphone that your child has are of very good quality but do not include the sound limiter, then you can use the headphone adapter with volume limitation.
The adapter is a fairly short extension that will be placed between the connection of the headphones and the source device, you can immediately enjoy the limiter without having to configure anything.
The best thing about this option is that some cables can be obtained for 5 euros, which makes them a very economical option.
The downside of the adapters is that the little ones may not want to use them, so it is important that you explain to the child the consequences of listening to sounds at high frequencies.
4. How are Headphones for Children Different from the Rest?
Maybe you have not noticed yet, but everything your child has been designed specifically for his/her age. Their toys and objects are smaller and have a lot of color.
4.1 The Most Obvious Difference is the Size
Children need their headphone to be small and adjustable so that when they are placed on their heads or on their ears they will not fall off. Although a sound limiter is being added, the experience of the child should not be negative, on the contrary the child should enjoy the sound in a safe and pleasant way.
4.2 Kids Headphone Need to have a Volume Limiter.
What you must understand is that listening to loud music for too long can damage anyone’s hearing without knowing, it could be several years before you realize that your child has difficulty hearing.
Experts have indicated that a child should not be more than one hour exposed to decibels of 85dB, when growing this number increases, allowing an adult to enjoy for 8 hours a day of a sound at 85 dB. The problem occurs when the little ones are given any kind of headphones, some even exceed 85dB.
Most kids safe headphones should have a volume limiter installed, it is important to verify if the headset used by your child has the limiter, is a way to care for them and protect them.
4.3 Kids Headphone Need to be “Resistant”.
Children are able to disarm, break, bite and in a single word destroy thousands of objects with great ease. That is why it is necessary to give them a headset that is designed for them.
It is important to see it as an investment, the headphone for toddlers are resistant that prevents you from having to buy many headphones in a short period of time. The best thing is that there is a wide variety of prices, you should only look for the one that best fits your budget.
4.4 Attractive Colors and Designs.
Our kids deserve the best, that’s why you should choose a design appropriate for them, there are even some with the shape of your favorite character.
You will get many designs and colors designed for the little ones. Take the time to choose the best one.
5. Types of Wireless Headphones
Now is the time to talk about wireless headphones that have been very popular in recent years.
5.1 RF Headphones
These headphones have an improved sound quality and allow you to enjoy the sound without major interruptions, their technology uses simple predisposed channels.
5.2 Bluetooth Wireless Headsets
Currently this type of headphone are very popular, although the sound quality is a little lower than RF headphones, many users prefer them because their price is cheaper.
One of the disadvantages they present is that your connection can be affected if you find any Bluetooth devices nearby.
5.3 Multi-Channel Headset
This type allows the user to choose, change or modify what they are listening without any interference.
6. Kids and Headphones: What is Safe?
Almost all kids equipment uses headphones, today’s children can not be far from technology, you should only look for the safest way to generate a positive relationship between your activities and your health.
6.1 Loss of Hearing
A study published in the United States has indicated that one in five adolescents has some degree of hearing loss. The results were not able to indicate if the causes have to do with the inadequate use of the volume, however, the report cited an earlier study conducted in Australia that explained that 70 percent of children are at risk of losing their hearing. cause of the high volume in their devices.
Hearing loss can start at an early age. Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital have determined that the right volume for children can not exceed 60 dB and the maximum duration should be one hour.
6.2 How to Keep Children’s Ears Safe
Some people say it is better to prevent than to regret, following these words you can take some advice to protect the ears of the little ones.
The first thing to do is to find a an appropriate noise isolating headphone with volume limitation that can be used comfortably by the child, verify that it fits perfectly over the ears, test yourself the maximum volume that can be reproduced. The best headphones for the little ones are those in the shape of helmets.
If the device your child uses has some way of adjusting the volume, do not hesitate to use it, always verify that the final sound is optimal and pleasant.
Do not allow your children to spend more than an hour with headphones, this is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks, but it is necessary to establish rules, because the prolonged use can also cause damage.
Talk with your children about the consequences of listening to music at a very high volume and for long periods of time, but do not believe that if you talk to your children and explain how the hearing loss originates they will understand. This is perhaps one of the most important lessons you should teach them.
