Almost without exception, parents want their children to have more successful lives than themselves. Whether it is academically, socially, or career-related, parents want what is best for their children. Determining what is "best" is a complicated process. Parents must use their own familial experiences, cultural perspectives, belief systems, and knowledge to make decisions that will affect the developmental, communicative, and academic success of their children.

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Okay, we know that loud music can harm young (and adult!) ears, but there is a flip side to this.  Music - especially playing an instrument - can also enhance the brain's sensitivity to speech sounds.

Music is a global function - that is, it stimulates different parts of the brain.  Listening and playing music help the different parts of the brain communicate with each other and strengthens the nerve pathways that help us make fine distinctions between sounds.  Music can also help children to pay attention and improve memory.  Even in adults, music can help with auditory awareness.

So, don't stop listening to music.  On the contrary, music is healthy and good for you and it can improve your language and auditory sensitivity. Just make sure to turn the volume down.

I was recently asked by a parent who took her young daughter to a small children's fitness facility in a "strip mall" if that music was hurting her daughter's hearing.  The music was too loud for her ears, so she was concerned - and rightfully so - for her daughter's hearing.  The class lasted one hour -- so what is a safe level for her?

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