Noise-canceling headphones can be safe for babies because they block out loud noises and provide ear protection when in noisy environments. But the headphones can also be unsafe if music is played through them at loud levels.
This post will examine whether noise-canceling headphones are safe for babies. I’ll explain how these headphones can protect babies from loud noises and what you need to keep in mind for added precaution while using them.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Noise-canceling headphones can be safe for babies when they are used to block out loud noises. They aren’t as safe as using real hearing protection.
- These headphones can also be dangerous for babies if they are exposed to loud music coming through them.
- Always exercise caution when using any type of headphones with babies. Noise-canceling options aren’t a good alternative to proper hearing protection.
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Safe for Babies?
Every parent wants to keep their babies safe. And when it comes to protecting them from loud noises or environments, hearing protection is paramount. Exposure to loud noises as a baby can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Noise-canceling headphones can be safe for babies if used to protect their ears from loud noises. But these headphones aren’t a substitute for proper hearing protection specifically designed to reduce volume levels.
At the same time, noise-canceling headphones can also be dangerous for babies. If they wear the headphones and music or other audio sources get turned up loud, this can also cause damage to their ears.
To keep a child safe from exposure to loud noise, you should use over-the-ear style hearing protection designed for this. Noise-canceling headphones don’t do as good a job as proper protection.
But if you allow your baby to wear the headphones, ensure they are not plugged in to prevent the child from getting exposed to deafening volumes. This can happen accidentally, so you need to be aware at all times.
When Should Babies Wear Noise-Canceling Headphones?
Babies are sensitive to loud noises, and exposure to any prolonged source can potentially lead to hearing damage. That’s why it’s important to know when to put hearing protection on your kid.
Generally, you can use your best judgment to decide when it’s best to do this. And you can use noise-canceling headphones if you don’t have proper hearing protection. But remember, these headphones won’t offer as much protection as real hearing protection does.
Examples of when you’d want babies to wear noise-canceling headphones or other types of hearing protection include when you are in a loud city, around construction equipment, or exposed to loud music at a concert or bar.
Of course, there are many other times when you might want to protect your babies’ ears outside of the examples above. Basically, whenever you are in a loud situation and think it’s a good idea, cover those tiny ears!
It’s better to be safe than sorry with that in mind. If you think your child is at risk of being exposed to loud noises, put headphones on them. If you are in a crowd where people are yelling or a city with lots of traffic, it’s probably a good idea.
Should Babies Wear Noise-Canceling Headphones on a Plane?
It’s up to you whether babies should wear noise-canceling headphones on a plane. Plenty of babies have been on airplanes without ear protection and have not experienced any issues with hearing damage or discomfort.
But wearing these headphones can protect them from some of the loud noises experienced in flight and might help calm them down. Don’t rely on headphones alone for hearing protection, but they are better than nothing at all.
Airplanes typically don’t get loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage, even in babies. But if you just want to play things safe and not worry about it, having the option is a good idea. Both noise-canceling headphones and proper ear protection can work.
If you do put headphones on your child during a flight, be sure to regulate the volume of any audio coming through them. If they get exposed to loud noises through the headphones, it cancels out any benefit of blocking out the plane noises.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Babies
There are many options for noise-canceling headphones, and some of these are specifically designed for babies and small children. The best choice typically depends on your child’s size and any features you want.
You want to ensure a proper fit over the ears for noise-canceling headphones to work properly. If you use regular noise-canceling headphones built for adults, you might not be able to get a good fit, and they won’t work as well.
You also need headphones that don’t cause discomfort for your child so they can wear them for extended periods. If they are too tight or too small, the child might struggle and want to take them off.
If you choose an option designed for babies, you’ll have better luck getting a proper fit. But what specific model you choose should depend on other factors such as cost, additional features, and any other factors that are important to you.
What Are the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Babies?
Here is a few of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each option.
1. Muted Designer Hearing Protection
This headphone comes in a variety of trendy patterns that will catch the eyes of your child. If you look past its cute designs, you’ll notice that the headphones are comfortable—which is crucial considering that your child will spend hours wearing them.
It’s ideal for a child with autism to have the gift of exceptional hearing—which comes with incredible sensitivity.
The headphones come with a noise reduction rating of 27 decibels—which allows your child to hear what’s going on around them and reduce the external buzz. Asides from the fact that the gadget is comfortable, it meets ANSI requirements and has safety certifications.
It’s perfect for a child with autism because the earmuffs are highly adjustable. Thus, your child can use it through the teen years.
What if you need to travel? Simple! Collapse the headphones for easy packing and travel so that your child doesn’t miss out on any exciting experiences as a result of their sensitivity to sound.
2. HearTek Kids Earmuffs
If you want quality headphones that will fit into a tight budget, the HearTek Kids Earmuffs will impress you. Since it comes in a variety of patterns and colors, it will suit your child’s preferences.
Comfort is certain with this gadget as it comes with mounted ear cups—which help to distribute the pressure and weight of the earmuffs evenly.
The manufacturers padded the ear cups properly—which is suitable for more extended periods of wear. Also, the cups give a fantastic seal for protecting ears, and they are self-adjusting.
What if you have to go on an impromptu trip? That’s easy because the gadget collapses for easy packing and comes with a storage bag. The earmuffs are ANSI-certified S3.19 and boast an NRR of 27 decibels—which makes them ideal for loud activities like parades and sporting events.
3. Decibel Defense
Do you have sporting events that you want to take your kids to? If your answer is affirmative, have you thought about protecting your kids from so much noise? If the thought has crossed your mind, the Decibel Defense is what your child needs.
It comes with a noise-reduction rating of 37 decibels, and it’s perfect for watching live sports. The highlight of the headphones is its earmuffs that provide adequate hearing protection for all ages through to adulthood. Plus, you can adjust it to fit any head size—which is necessary if you’re sharing the device.
Your child can wear the device for a long duration, thanks to its headband that’s wide and padded ear cups for added comfort. Your kids will go crazy over the headphone’s vivid and flashy colors. Plus, it’s quite simple to store and carry.
4. Baby Banz Earmuffs
From the name of the earmuffs, you can tell that manufacturers made them specifically for infants and toddlers—which is perfect considering that little kids can’t remove and protect themselves from offensive noises.
As a parent, you can attest to the fact that size is a significant issue when looking for suitable ear protection for your children—but all that is in the past with this model.
If you’re bothered about carrying extra stuff in your bag that can send you into meltdown, the Baby Baz Earmuffs is a piece that won’t bother you. It’s compact, and it fits into the smallest spaces.
The headphones also come with a generous NRR of 31 decibels and multiple safety certifications. To provide safe ear protection for your child, ensure that the cups fit your kid’s ears. The earmuffs give room for growing ears, and the manufacturers made the headband from soft feel materials—which offers a comfy fit.
Final Thoughts
Noise-canceling headphones can be safe for babies and reduce their exposure to loud noises. These can be used in noisy situations, and there are headphones designed specifically for babies.
But remember that these headphones won’t block out as much sound as proper hearing protection and that exposure to loud noises through the headphones is still an issue.
Have you ever used noise-canceling headphones for a baby? What type of headphones did you use? Let me know in the comments below.
