Noisy toys can do more than annoy parents during the holidays --the loudest could potentially damage hearing in children, reports Lauren Williams of The Daily Pilot.
A study, led by Dr. Hamid R. Djalilian, at left, at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Department of Otolaryngology, finds that toys such as the I Am T-Pain Mic and Road Rippers reach decibels as high as a chain saw or subway train if held close to the ear.
Researchers measured 10 popular toys' loudness by holding them next to a speaker and from 12 inches away, which is the estimated length of a toddler's outstretched arm. The two distances represent how children interact with toys.
"Most of these toys, if used properly, they should be OK," said Djalilian. "A lot of children try to find out where the sound is coming from, so they put the speaker against their ear, so that's one of the issues."
From the Orange County Register:
Below, the 10 loudest toys Dr. Djalilian and his team tested at UCI Medical Center, followed by the decibel level (dBs) up close and at a distance of 12 inches. [Noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, with duration contributing to impairment as well, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.]
1. Mattel The Secret Saturdays Fire Sword, 121/109
2. Zillionz Deluxe ATM Savings Bank (left), 115/106
3. Zillionz Talking Cash Register, 108/100
4. VTech Nitro Web Notebook, 108/100
5. VTech Touch & Teach Turtle, 106/97
6. Leap Frog Learn & Groove Musical Table, 106/96
7. Little Tikes Jungle Jamboree: 2-in-1 Piano/Xylophone, 105/95
8. Little Tikes Poptones Big Rockers Keyboard, 105/96
9. Mattel Batman Dark Knight Sword, 105/95
10. First Act Discovery Rock-it Guitar, 105/93
Written for California's Children by Elizabeth J Carlyle.
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