Don’t listen too closely to noisy toys, research finds

Nationwide, kids will be ripping wrapping paper to shreds to get to their Christmas booty Tuesday, from “High School Musical” guitars to CAT Motorized Dump Trucks, homes will be reverberating noisily from the latest toys.

According to researchers at UCI, that noise could cause serious damage to children’s ears. University scientists studied the loudness of many of this year’s most popular toys, Cheetah Girls and Hannah Montana items to Tickle Me Elmo and Bob the Builder products. They found that when children play with the toys improperly, such as holding the toys too close to the ear, the toy’s sounds can cause permanent damage.

The “High School Musical” Rockerz Jammin’ Guitar was the loudest at 106 decibels. While a toy can emit a 100-plus decibel sound next to an ear, a few feet can make a difference, researchers said.

The UCI scientists measured the toys’ noise one inch away from a microphone, far too close to be held up to a child’s ear. Their research aims to encourage parents to make sure children play with their toys safely.

— Joseph Serna