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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
14:05
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[Sound levels in nursery schools].
K Eysel-Gosepath1, H G Pape, T Erren
1Ärztin für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Im Finkenhain 6, 50996 Köln. pek.eysel@t-online.de
HNO
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Nursery school children and teachers experience high noise levels, potentially causing hearing damage. Educating children about noise and using visual aids like "noise lights" can help reduce sound levels and prevent future hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Children and teenagers are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss from loud toys, music players, and discotheques.
- Nursery schools and schools generate significant noise levels from children's activities and voices.
Purpose:
- To measure sound levels in a nursery school setting.
- To assess the impact of noise education and a visual feedback system ('noise lights') on sound levels.
- To evaluate teachers' perceptions of noise-related stress.
Summary:
- Sound levels were measured in four nursery school rooms with 22 children (3-6 years) and two teachers over five days.
- Measurements were repeated after children received noise education and used 'noise lights' to visualize sound levels.
- Mean sound levels near teachers' ears were 80.1 dB(A), with peaks up to 112.55 dB(A). Teachers reported high physical and emotional stress due to noise.
Impact:
- A tendency towards reduced sound levels was observed after implementing noise education and the 'noise lights' system.
- The study highlights the need for early noise sensitization in children to prevent hearing damage.
- Findings suggest the potential effectiveness of visual feedback systems and soundproofing measures in educational environments.
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