The very first hearing protection earmuffs were believed to have been developed during World War II. They were designed to protect the ears of warplane pilots from the loud noise from an airplane’s engine.
The ear muffs that we have today, like kids ear muffs and the ones used in sports, are much better designed than the original. The first acoustic ear muffs back then had cuffs and headbands, which were uncomfortable.
Why You Should Buy Kids Ear Muffs
Any exposure to very loud noises can be detrimental to your child’s health. Medical experts recommend using them, especially for children with hyper-reactivity to auditory stimuli. Depending on how loud the noise is and how long little ears are exposed to very loud noise, they may experience a decline in hearing.
Sometimes their hearing threshold can be restored. However, what parent would want to wait for that to happen, right? Over time, repeated exposure to loud noises can wear down the inner ear and may increase the chances of hearing loss or degradation of hearing later in life.
Why are Kids Ear Muffs a Better Option?
Compared to other forms of noise protection for the ears, ear muffs may be a bit more expensive. However, they offer better protection to a child’s ears. Experts even recommend them over other variants.
They are generally easier to wear and provide a better fit over a child’s ears. They usually have a better noise reduction rating (NRR), but you still need to check each product’s rating. During winter months, ear muffs also provide better protection from the cold.
Features to Look For
There are certain features that you need to look out for when shopping for kids ear muffs. You can use them to compare different products.
- Noise Reduction Rating: The noise reduction rating or NRR of an ear muff will tell you how much sound is cut off when you put it on. The higher the number on the NRR rating for a product, the better it is at keeping loud noises out. Choose kids ear muffs that have at least 26 dB NRR rating.
- Safety Certifications: If the ear muffs have an NRR rating, it has been thoroughly tested by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Another safety standard certification you might want to have on ear muffs is that of the European Safety Standards (EN352).
- Comfort: Another important feature to check in ear muffs designed for children is the level of comfort that these products can give. You can be sure that your kids won’t wear them for long if they irritate their ears. You should check the product’s material. Look for ones made of soft materials, and make sure that they offer a comfortable fit.
- Adjustable Size and Fit: There is no such thing as an ear muff size that will fit all children. Look for products that have adjustable sizes to accommodate different head sizes. Get muffs that provide a snug fit over a child’s ears.
- Colours and Design: What colours does your kid like? Some kids like green, others pink, and also other types of attractive bright colours.
For younger children, check if the headband is made of soft feel material. It may have a metal frame to improve its durability, but the exterior should be padded. If the ear muffs do not interfere with a child’s sleep, consider that as a bonus feature.
Conclusion
Ear muffs for your kids may be a bit pricey compared to other noise protection, but they are a worthwhile investment. Understanding the features to look for will ensure that you get the best protection for your child’s delicate ears.
