Is Playtime Getting Loud? What Parents Should Know About Noisy Toys

by Lindsay B. Robinson, HIA Program Manager

January 7, 2026

The toy aisle in a typical American store is usually full of electronic items that produce bright lights, catchy songs, and silly sounds. These may delight and engage a child, but for parents and caregivers, there’s a quieter concern that may go unnoticed.

Some toys can produce sound levels that may meet or exceed what hearing experts consider safe for young ears. Children’s hearing is still developing, and their ears are smaller and more sensitive than that of adults. With awareness and a few simple steps, families can protect hearing while keeping playtime fun.

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). As a general rule:

• Normal conversation: ~60 dB
• Busy traffic or a nearby vacuum cleaner: ~70–85 dB
• Sounds above 85 dB: Can be harmful with prolonged or repeated exposure

For children, experts often recommend keeping toy sound levels below 85 dB, especially for toys used close to the ear or for extended play periods.

Why Children Are Especially at Risk

Children don’t always pull away from loud sounds the way adults do. In fact, they may press a toy closer to their ears out of curiosity. With frequent repetition - pressing the same button again and again - exposure can quickly add up. Unlike the sudden ouch of a scraped knee, hearing damage is often gradual and invisible, and it may not become noticeable until years later. Early protection is key to lifelong hearing health.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

Protecting hearing doesn’t mean eliminating noisy toys altogether. Here are a few simple, practical tips:

• Test it yourself: If a toy sounds loud to you, it’s likely too loud for a child. You can test noise levels on apps such as NIOSH Sound Level Meter App (iPhone) or Decibel X (Android).
• Look for volume controls: Choose toys with adjustable or limited volume.
• Keep distance in mind: If a toy has noise, encourage it to be played with at arm’s length, not directly near the ear.
• Rotate toys: Limit prolonged exposure and encourage your child to take breaks with low volume or quiet toys.
• Modify when needed: A piece of clear or painters tape over a speaker can safely reduce the toy’s volume.

Playtime should be joyful, engaging, and safe. By paying attention to the sounds toys make, parents and caregivers can help protect children’s hearing without sacrificing fun. A little awareness today can make a big difference for hearing health tomorrow – and that’s something worth listening to.