Volume restricted over-ear headphones verse in-ear headphones
In-ear headphones
Most in-ear headphones easily allow levels up to and exceeding 100dB. Any noise intensity over 90 dB has specific time limits for exposure before irreversible damage is done to the cochlear. As a general guide, if you are using standard headphones/inserts and you cannot hear someone speaking at a normal conversational level (at a distance of about 1m) then the intensity level is usually above 90dB.
As children's ear canals are different (smaller in size and are closer to the eardrum) the amount of amplification can be altered by up to 9 dB, raising the intensity of the sound from one similar to the noise output of a vacuum cleaner to that of a motorcycle engine.
At these higher levels of exposure to noise damage can occur after only 15mins of exposure.
Volume restricted Over-ear headphones
Volume restricted Over-ear headphonesMost of the noise-restricted headphones limit the maximum intensity level to 89 dB, which is a safe level and can be used for an extended period. At this level kids can easily hear what is happening around them and also normal conversational levels with the headphones on their ears.
Further Information
Noise exposure is a function of loudness and time so if you wish to reduce your exposure you must firstly reduce the volume or loudness and then the time. Noise exposure is cumulative over your lifetime, meaning that every over exposure adds up – just like too much UV-radiation or exposure to the sun.
The national standard for noise exposure is 85 dB over an 8-hour period, but for every 3 dB increase in level, the resulting time of allowable exposure should be halved. For example at 88 dB the allowable exposure is cut to 4 hours; at 91 dB it is 2 hours; at 94 dB it is 1 hour and so on.
Most in-ear headphones easily allow levels up to and exceeding 100dB. Any noise intensity over 90 dB has specific time limits for exposure before irreversible damage is done to the cochlear. As a general guide, if you are using standard headphones/inserts and you cannot hear someone speaking at a normal conversational level (at a distance of about 1m) then the intensity level is usually above 90dB.
As children's ear canals are different (smaller in size and are closer to the eardrum) the amount of amplification can be altered by up to 9 dB, raising the intensity of the sound from one similar to the noise output of a vacuum cleaner to that of a motorcycle engine.
At these higher levels of exposure to noise damage can occur after only 15mins of exposure.
Volume restricted Over-ear headphones
Volume restricted Over-ear headphonesMost of the noise-restricted headphones limit the maximum intensity level to 89 dB, which is a safe level and can be used for an extended period. At this level kids can easily hear what is happening around them and also normal conversational levels with the headphones on their ears.
Further Information
Noise exposure is a function of loudness and time so if you wish to reduce your exposure you must firstly reduce the volume or loudness and then the time. Noise exposure is cumulative over your lifetime, meaning that every over exposure adds up – just like too much UV-radiation or exposure to the sun.
The national standard for noise exposure is 85 dB over an 8-hour period, but for every 3 dB increase in level, the resulting time of allowable exposure should be halved. For example at 88 dB the allowable exposure is cut to 4 hours; at 91 dB it is 2 hours; at 94 dB it is 1 hour and so on.
Set Boundaries
- Students don’t need to use the iPad all the time at home. Ensure that your child balances their time using technology with other things in their life.
- Children need their sleep, so we strongly suggest that the iPad is NOT TAKEN TO BED.
- We recommend that you specify:
- where in the house the iPad can be used
- where it is to be stored / charged when not in use (Not in the child's bedroom)
Monitor
- Talk about Internet activities openly and freely.
- Have your child use the iPad in a shared family area where you can monitor how long your child is online as well as the websites your child is visiting.
- Check the history in Safari or any web browser they may have used.
- If you are experiencing problems with your child/childern being off-task while completing homework/ study time there is the option of setting up Guided Access. Guided Access helps the iPad user to stay focused on a task while using your iPad. Guided Access limits your device to a single app and lets you control which app features are available.
- Mobile phones and other digital devices have access to the Internet, so these devices need to be monitored also.
Protect
- Explain to your child that not all information on the Internet is good, true or helpful, and that some areas are are not intended for children to see.
- Help your child identify unsuitable material by naming some things to look out for, such as sites that contain scary or rude pictures, swearing or angry words.
- Empower your child to use the Internet safely by showing your child safe sites and explaining why they are safe. It’s also important to educate your child on why it’s not safe to give out any personal details online. (Refer to our KEEPING SAFE ONLINE section)
- Parental Controls (Restrictions- See below for more detail ) are available on the iPad, if needed. These restrictions will only work on downloaded iTunes music, games and apps. Restrictions will not restrict or block inappropriate websites when using Safari or any other web browser app.
- Parental Controls are available on the iPad. However, they can block iPad features that may be needed at school.