Measurements in primary school classrooms often sit between 60 and 80 dB during lessons, and higher in the canteen, the playground or the gym. That is not harmful the way fireworks are, but it is tiring. Many children come home irritable and exhausted after school, and homework next to playing siblings becomes a test of patience.
When hearing protection makes sense at school
Hearing protection does not replace a quiet classroom and is not meant to block out the lesson. It makes sense in three situations: in quiet and independent work phases when the child is supposed to read or calculate alone; in particularly loud settings such as the canteen, the workshop room or the school fair; and at home during homework when the household cannot be made quiet. Many schools now explicitly allow earmuffs during work phases; a short word with the teacher settles it.
Which model for schoolchildren?
The Kiddies earmuffs (head circumference 52 to 60 cm, 188 g, SNR 28 dB to EN 352-1:2020) go on and off quickly, the child sees at once whether they sit right, and they do not get lost in the school bag. The Kids+ earplugs (SNR 29 dB to EN 352-2:2020) are less conspicuous and fit in the pencil case, but need some practice to insert and suit primary school age and up. Both lower the level but still let the teacher's voice through from close by. What the values mean is explained in the guide What is SNR?.
How to introduce hearing protection
Let the child help choose the model and the colour. Practise at home: ten minutes of homework with earmuffs, then without, and ask which felt better. Agree on fixed situations, for example always when reading, rather than wearing them all day. And talk to the teacher so the child does not have to explain why it is wearing earmuffs. Hearing protection is a tool for concentration, not a sign of a problem.
Still unsure about the size?
The size guide gives a recommendation by head circumference. Between earmuffs and plugs, the comparison Earmuffs or earplugs? helps.
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