A study from the University of California Irvine tested some popular children’s toys in order to measure the decibel levels.

The American Academy Of Pediatrics states prolonged exposure to sound at 85+ decibels or dB’s can result in hearing damage. By comparison, a normal conversation is about 60 dB’s.

The university sampled 18 toys both up close and at 12 inches away.  And of the 18, 13 toys measured dB’s of 100 plus.

While toys are only one source of dangerous sound levels to children’s ears, Paige Holt of Lake Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Associate’s audiology group is noticing a increase in hearing problems among youth.



Lake ENT provides hearing tests at all three of their locations, from infants to seniors.  You’ll find their contact information for appointments in our specialist directory.   

The best advice from the researchers is to listen to the toy prior to purchase and use your best judgment.  If volume can be manipulated, keep it down.  And encourage children to keep the toy’s speaker away from the ear.

Of the 18 toys tested, the 10 loudest are listed below followed by the decibel level (dBs) up close and at a distance of 12 inches:

1.The Secret Saturdays Fire Sword (Mattel), 121/109

2. Zillionz Deluxe ATM Savings Bank (Summit Toys), 115/106

3. Zillionz Talking Cash Register (Summit Toys), 108/100

4. Nitro Web Notebook (VTech), 108/100

5. Touch & Teach Turtle (VTech), 106/97

6. Learn & Groove Musical Table (LeapFrog Enterprises) 106/96

7. Jungle Jamboree Tiger 2-in-1 piano/xylophone (Little Tikes), 105/95

8. Pop Tunes Big Rocker Keyboard (Little Tikes), 105/96

9. Batman Dark Knight Sword (Mattel), 105/95

10. Rock-it Guitar (First Act Discovery) 105/93