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[Toy cap pistols and their effect on hearing]
G Fleischer1, E Hoffmann, R Müller
1Arbeitsgruppe Hörforschung, Medizinisches Zentrum für Okologie, Klinikum der Universität Giessen.
HNO
|November 17, 1998
Summary
Toy pistols can cause hearing damage, emitting noise louder than military rifles when fired near the ear. Current safety standards for toys permit dangerously high impulse noise levels, risking acute acoustic trauma.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Acoustics
- Toy Safety
Context:
- Investigated auditory impairments from toy pistols.
- Measured impulse noise levels of toy pistols.
- Compared toy pistol noise to military rifle noise.
Purpose:
- Analyze toy pistol acoustic impact on the ear.
- Evaluate toy pistol noise against EU safety standards (EN 71-1).
- Discuss acute acoustic trauma from toy pistols.
Summary:
- Five toy pistol models exceeded military rifle noise levels near the ear.
- Tested toy pistols produced impulse noise louder than EU safety limits.
- EU toy safety standards permit noise levels illegal in workplaces without protection.
Impact:
- Highlights risks of acute acoustic trauma from toy pistols.
- Suggests revised safety standards focusing on worst-case loudness.
- Aims to prevent hearing injuries in children from hazardous toys.