6 Replies
I think there is no suggested appropriate age. The main consideration is the volume at which your child is listening at. Research has found that headphones above 75dB is related to permanent hearing loss. As the damage is cumulative, early exposure to loud noises may lead to premature hearing loss. When allowing the use of earphones/headphones for your child, be sure to: - Use volume control. Adjust the volume on their devices and set a limit on the maximum decibel level on the device (most devices have this setting). - Monitor the time your child spends using earphones/headphones. Limit each “session” to less than 60mins. - When your child is old enough, educate them on the dangers of listening to loud music or for prolonged use. Here are some useful articles you can refer to on this topic: http://www.kidspot.com.au/familyhealth/Injuries-and-Safety-Safety-Headphones-and-kids-Whats-safe+3574+219+article.htm http://www.everychancetolearn.com.au/headphones-safe-child/
I've seen toys with headphones that emit music in the stores and it says for ages 3 and up on the packaging. So I reckon, 3 and above will be okay? But then again, these toys were built specifically for kids so they have the child's safety in mind. In my opinion, it's more to do with how loud the sound is being emitted. It is not safe for anyone to blare loud music via earphones even adults so the same applies for children. If the child does use headphones, make sure the volume is at an appropriate level. Alternatively, you can look out for specific volume limiting headphones. These headphones will ensure that no matter how high your child tries to crank the music up on his iPad or computer, it will not be high enough to hurt him. Here's an interesting article that explains this device: http://www.howtogeek.com/222942/htg-explains-why-your-kids-should-be-using-volume-limiting-headphones/
I will avoid my kids to use headset or earphone before they turn into adulthood. So far, my kids used headset once during the flight and they do not like it, so I don't see the point of introducing them to my kids also. Long term usage will damage their ear drum so I am not in favor of it. Normally we just switch on CD player and enjoy music openly.
I would recommend not to till they are old enough. Continuous exposure to noise tends to cause sleep imbalance, happens in adults also. One of my friends kid's could not have sound sleep at night because she used to listen music just before bedtime also. So just avoid unnecessary distractions as long as possible
Headphones are notorious for harboring loads of bacteria, and many studies say that using them with blaring music is harmful for your eardrums. I suggest it's fine to let your child use a pair of earphones once they're old enough to know the risks associated it it, say, 10-years old and above.
I was given a pair of headphones by the age of 5, and I turned out fine. It really depends on your personal preference, and of course, supervision must be present to ensure that your child doesn't crank up the volume too high!