Why Earmuffs And Noise Cancelling Headphones For Kids Are Important
Ears aren’t designed to withstand excessive noise for long periods of time. Once damage has been done, it’s irreversible. Unlike skin cells which can generate new tissue and heal themselves, auditory hair cells in ears cannot repair themselves. When they are damaged or die, they do not regrow.
Noise cancelling headphones or earmuffs are headphones that, in short, block external noise. They can be passive or active. Passive noise-cancelling headphones block out sound waves and do not produce sound. On the other hand, Active noise-cancelling headphones block out sound, but also allow the wearer to listen to whatever sound they want.
Active noise-cancelling headphones are basically your typical headphones, but with the added ability to cancel out ambient noise. Some active-noise cancelling headphones will generate a stream of light white noise to dampen external noise, or background noise, allowing you to fully appreciate the audio you are listening to.
If the idea is to block sound rather than create low ambient noise for improving the experience of listening to music, then ear protectors and defenders are a good way to go in terms of the type of headphone to look for. There are many of those in our guide below. These can be very handy for kids sensitive to audio.
There are a few different things to consider when choosing the best noise cancelling headphones for kids. We aim to help with that by splitting our reviews into a few different categories, depending on what you are looking for. You can check out our reviews below.
Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids & Babies – Comparison Table
Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones – Noise Isolation | Connect either via Bluetooth 5.0 or the 3.5mm jack Compatible with most devices Rechargeable battery will also give you up to 20 hours | 4.4 out of 5 | |
LilGadgets Untangled Pro Childrens Bluetooth Headphones | High quality, Bluetooth wireless headphones Built-in microphone, sized for children 4+ Compatible with nearly all Bluetooth devices | 4.5 out of 5 | |
CozyPhones Headphones Ultra Thin Speakers Headband | Super comfortable kids headphones Volume limited for hearing protection Best earphone for kids travel & school | 4.1 out of 5 | |
Snug Kids Earmuffs Hearing Protectors | Ideal for blocking noise Perfect for kids on the autism spectrum Low profile clam design keeps the muffs safe | 4.6 out of 5 | |
HearTek Earmuffs Protection Defenders Children | HearTek Kids and Junior Hearing Protection The self-adjusting ear cups and headband The padded headband and soft padded ear cups | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Fridaybaby Baby Ear Protection (0-2+ Years) - Comfortable and Adjustable Noise Cancelling Baby Ear Muffs | Friday baby Noise Cancelling Headphones Designed for newborn babies, infants, and toddlers The best infant ear protection | 4.7 out of 5 | |
Ems For Kids Baby Earmuffs | 100% Cotton Compact & Lightweight (4oz) Pressure Reducing, Interchangeable and size-adjustable Headband Design | 4.4 out of 5 | |
Vanderfields Earmuffs Kids Toddlers Children Protections | Ideal to block out noises caused by airports Perfect for little ears and offers a stylish look Lightweight and extremely comfortable for your children | 4.7 out of 5 | |
Baby Banz Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection – Ages 0-2+ Year | Industry Leading Noise Reduction Rating Lightweight & Durable Earmuffs designed specifically for children | 4.7 out of 5 |
Top Rated Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids and Babies
– Audio Capable, Noise Cancelling Headphones For Kids
Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones – Noise Isolation
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 are the best in the range that Puro Labs have to offer. They offer both volume limiting and noise isolation. The volume limiting is set to a merciful 85dB and the 83% ambient noise attenuation offers a real reduction in background noise. These are great noise reduction headphones for kids that need a bit of sensory protection, as well as those that enjoy listening to undisturbed audiobooks or songs.
These Puro Sound Labs noise isolation headphones can connect either via Bluetooth 5.0 or the 3.5mm jack which makes them compatible with most devices. The rechargeable battery will also give you up to 20 hours listening time between charges. They are made with durable aluminium and come with a nice protective case for when you are on the move.
– Audio Capable, Volume Limiting Headphones For Kids
LilGadgets Untangled Pro Childrens Bluetooth Headphones
These wireless headphones come with a carrying pouch and a detachable nylon-covered audio cable. The included audio cable is designed to prevent tangles. A micro-USB charging cable is also included with these Bluetooth headphones.
The volume limited, LilGadgets Untangled Pro headphones are set at a maximum volume of 93 decibels with 40mm drivers. The battery life of these rechargeable headphones is 12 hours, and the standby is 180 hours (7.5 days).
These headphones are recommended for children aged 4 or older, and they are compatible with nearly every Bluetooth device. To share sound, other headphones can be plugged directly into the Untangled Headphones. The sizing of the Untangled Pro headphones is adjustable, and they are reinforced with metal for added durability. The earpads are cushioned with SoftTouch breathable material, as is the headband.
We really like these headphones because a portion of each purchase goes towards preventing bullying in schools. That’s a really cool thing for the company to do!
CozyPhones Headphones Ultra Thin Speakers Headband
These Volume Limited CozyPhones Kids Headphones have ultra-thin speakers, and they have a soft fleece headband. They are exceptionally comfortable, and these patent-pending headphones are an innovative alternative to traditional headphones and ear buds.
The speakers on the CozyPhones are limited to 90 decibels for additional noise protection for little ears. These foldable headphones are easy to transport and can be used as an eye mask.
The CozyPhones come with a 100% money back guarantee and have a durable braided cord to prevent damage during normal use. A sturdy studio cord that is compatible with most devices is also included.
The noise-cancelling abilities of these headphones are limited, these headphones are more about hearing protection through limiting volume rather than blocking sound. There is a sizing chart available to make sure you get the right size.
– Sound Blocking, Non-Reproducing Baby Noise Cancelling Headphones/Earmuffs For Kids
Snug Kids Earmuffs Hearing Protectors
The Snug Kids Ear Muffs are made with high-quality materials which allow them to be sturdier. They also come with a 5 year guarantee. These ear muffs are lightweight, so a child will be able to wear and transport them easily.
The ear cups are padded for comfort and longer wearability, and the headband is adjustable. In fact, even adults can wear these ear muffs. The Snug Kids Ear Muffs can be folded for easier storage and transport, and they have an over-the-ear design.
Refer to the buying guide to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of over-the-ear headphones.
HearTek Earmuffs Protection Defenders Children
These hearing protection headphones are produced by HearTek, a family-owned business based in the USA, and they provide even pressure distribution.They have a 27 decibel (dB) noise reduction rating (NRR), and their ear cups and headband self-adjust. The ear cups are designed to snugly fit smaller ears.
These HearTek earmuffs are padded and made from water-resistant vinyl material. The ear cups can be folded and packed into the headband for easy storage. The HearTek earmuffs come with a travel bag, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a 5 year warranty.
The headband of these earmuffs is adjustable to fit infants up to small adults.
Fridaybaby Baby Ear Protection (0-2+ Years) – Comfortable and Adjustable Noise Cancelling Baby Ear Muffs
These noise cancelling ear muffs are designed specifically for the youngest of infants up to toddler. At a very young age, a baby’s ears are very sensitive to loud noises. If you are out and about with them, something as everyday as a busker in the street may be pleasant to your ears, but torture to your baby’s. That is where the Fridaybaby ear muffs come in.
These infant headphones are designed to put no pressure on the ears or head, with a thick shell and padded, soft headband. You can feel at ease knowing that whatever happens on your adventures, whether planned like a concert, or out of the blue like a car horn, your baby’s ears are safe. Top top it off, these protectors come with a 5 year warranty for peace of mind.
Ems For Kids Baby Earmuffs
These interchangeable earmuffs are lightweight and made in America. They are tested by both U.S. and European safety standards. These noise cancellation earmuffs were designed in Australia and have a 27 decibel NRR. Ems for kids have been making these reliable baby earmuffs since 2009. The fact that they are still very popular today tells you something about the reliability and quality of the product. They are designed to produce very little pressure, and to secure firmly and comfortably in place.
Ems For Kids also product a set of folding earmuff headphones for older kids which are great for loud events such as concerts or sporting events.
Vanderfields Earmuffs Kids Toddlers Children Protections
These foldable earmuffs are lightweight and comfortable. They also have a padded cushion on the ear cups that provides a snug fit. These ear muffs come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee as well as a 60 day money back guarantee. The Vanderfields ear muffs have a nrr of 26 decibels and meet both American and European safety standards. These ear muffs are ideally designed for children and can be worn with glasses.
Baby Banz Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection – Ages 0-2+ Year
The Baby Banz earmuffs have an industry leading noise reduction rating (nrr 28dB) and come in at an incredibly affordable price. A great lightweight choice for kids with autism or other sensitivities to loud noises. They are comfortable, adjustable and collapsible making them easy to take out as you need them or store away in their carry case. The ear pads and headstrap are super soft, these are designed specifically for younger infants and toddlers. There is another set that is suitable for the step up for young children from ages 3 plus.
A nice side note to these earmuffs, is that each and every purchase helps out small businesses in USA!
The Top 4 Benefits of Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
Noise-cancelling headphones and earmuffs provide numerous benefits, some more obvious than others. Ears are sensitive, and it’s important to have a full understanding of how damage can be done to them. Likewise, it’s important to know how noise-cancelling headphones can protect children’s growing ears from damage.
Let’s take a look at the top 4 benefits of noise-cancelling headphones.
1. Noise-cancelling headphones deter increasing sound volumes
One of the most common causes of hearing damage is excessively loud music. Music listeners are often driven to increase the volume of their tunes to drown out competing ambient noises. By blocking out these unwanted sounds, noise-cancelling headphones deter this behavior. As a result, they minimize the risk of hearing impairment.
Children’s ears are more sensitive to the ill effects of this behavior than adults, and adults can face hearing loss after just 15 minutes of listening to music through headphones.
Another instance of this is when learning to play instruments like drums. A drum kit can be very loud, enough so that it can cause hearing damage over time. If you or your young one are learning the drums or a similarly loud instrument, a set of noise cancelling earmuffs or even sleep earplugs could be very beneficial. It’s a far cheaper alternative to purchasing a quiet drum kit!
2. Noise-cancelling headphones protect audio sensitive children from loud toys and everyday noises
Although you can get some quiet toys for toddlers, some children’s toys can be loud. This not only makes them annoying, but also dangerous for children’s tender ears.
If you’ve ever been on an elementary school bus or in the average school cafeteria, you know they can be loud. This noise can be especially damaging and distracting to children with special needs such as autism or sensory processing disorders. Loud noises in public spaces can also be a distraction for children with ADHD.
3. Noise-cancelling headphones provide an escape
Children who are private, introverted, autistic or have other special needs may like the escape noise cancelling headphones provide. Noise cancelling headphones are known to provide a sense of calm and safety for autistic children, as well as increase the focus of and brain processing ability for children with ADHD.
Noise-cancelling headphones and earphones can also provide an escape for children by protecting them from distressing sounds like fireworks and thunderstorms. They can also provide a cocoon of protection and distraction from the noisiness of airports and busy city streets.
4. Noise-cancelling headphones prevent temper tantrums and restlessness
Children can also be upset by annoying everyday noises. Unfortunately, they often are incapable of expressing their discomfort in a reasonable or matured manner. As a result, their method of choice is typically a temper tantrum.
Not only are temper tantrums exasperating, they can also be damaging to children’s vocal chords, ears and depending on how they react in tantrum they can damage other things too. I remember one young relative, that when in tantrum, would start to bang their head on the ground – too young to recognise their own strength. Not only did they hurt their head, but the upset from the hurt put them further into tantrum too young to understand the complexity of the situation. If a pair of noise-canceling headphones could have prevented this it would have been money well spent.
Buying Guide for Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Kids and Babies
You can invest in all the quiet tech from quiet washing machines, quiet fans or microwaves but even with all the best intentions in the world you can’t remove all the noise from your house. Especially the out of the blue, unexpected noises. That’s where these headphones come in, to make sure all your efforts are not undone.
When searching for noise-cancelling headphones for children, keep in mind that different noise-cancelling headphones satisfy different needs. It’s beneficial to know what to look for. It will save both time and money in the long run.
Features to Look For In A Pair Of Noise Cancelling Headphones For Your Little Ones
Volume Controls
Decibels above 85 are harmful, yet most headphones allow the volume to increase above the 100 range. Volume controlled headphones allow users to set a limit for how loud their maximum volume can be.
Some headphones come with a preset maximum volume limit. These headphones are called volume limited.
Adjustability
Headphone headbands for children should fit comfortably on their heads. If it’s too tight, not only will it be irritating, it can also cause them physical damage. Children can suffer headaches from the pressure of the band on their head as well as hair loss from the band pulling their hair.
Alternatively, a headband that is too loose may fall off, and the headphones or earmuffs may be stepped on or damaged. A too loose headband will also require frequent adjusting or holding.
Headphones and earmuffs with adjustable headbands avoid these issues by allowing the headband to be sized to the appropriate fit of a child’s head. Adjustable headphones and earmuffs are also cost effective because they can expand to fit a child’s growing head. This avoids the need to repeatedly purchase new headphones as the child ages.
Device Compatibility
Though most devices share the same audio jack size or design, some devices, such as the latest iPhone, have a less universal design. Be sure that the noise-cancelling headphones purchased are compatible with the devices they will be used with.
Ear Cups
Like the headband, it’s important that the ear cups on noise-cancelling headphones fit comfortably.
Some materials are also not well-suited for extreme temperatures and may be too cold or too hot to wear in certain environments. If you live somewhere where a snowy winter is all but guaranteed, then ear cups that can withstand cold temperatures are a must.
Ear cups come in two styles: Over the Ear and On the Ear
Over the Ear Headphones
Over the ear headphones cup the entire ear and provide more efficient noise-cancelling. They also provide a better sound experience. The downside of this ear cup style is that they aren’t ideal for long wear. Since they cup the entire ear, air circulation is limited which can cause discomfort. The child’s ear may get uncomfortably warm over long periods of time.
On the bright side, this negative can actually be a positive if you live in colder weather. The lack of air circulation will protect children’s ears from the cold weather surrounding them, similar to ear muffs.
On the Ear Headphones
On the ear headphones, or earbuds, are less useful in blocking sound and provide a less enjoyable sound experience. On the bright side, a lack of air circulation to the ears is not a worry.
On the downside, if you live in colder temperatures, that also mean your child’s ears will not be protected from the cold. However, some earbuds can be worn in conjunction with ear muffs in cold weather.
Another downside of on the ear headphones is your child may increase the volume of what they are listening too to unsafe levels in order to combat the ambient sounds that their earbuds fail to block out.
Durability and Affordability
The final things that may need to be considered when searching for noise-cancelling headphones for children are the durability and affordability of the headphones. Let’s face it, kids are destructive. And on top of that, they are often forgetful.
Durable headphones should be sturdy enough to withstand being dropped, pulled, or tugged by children. They should also be affordable because chances are they are going to have to be replaced at some point. This is especially true for ear buds that are smaller and easier to lose since they can be hidden is tiny nooks and crannies.