According to a report released late last month by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a nonprofit consumer advocacy group in Washington, parents should put safety first when toy shopping for the holidays. That includes checking for appropriate sound levels when buying toys with sound effects.
Nearly 15% of kids from 6 to 17 show signs of hearing loss, according to the U.S. PIRG report. A toy’s sound levels shouldn't exceed 85 decibels, or 65 decibels if they're meant to be held close to the ear, such as a play cell phone. Some of the toys consumer advocates tested topped 85 decibels even when measured at close range.
The good news is: you don’t need high-tech help to determine safe noise levels. Many products have a 'Try me' button and if it seems too loud to you, it is too loud for your child. If you can't try it, think twice before buying it and remember: it doesn't have to be loud to be fun.
Toy shoppers can use a new interactive tool accessible through their cell phones or computers to report unsafe toys or learn more about how to avoid common hazards. The tools are available at toysafety.mobi or www.toysafety.net.