Children discover the world with all their senses. But sometimes, the world is just too loud.
Fireworks, school events, concerts, traffic, or even crowded playgrounds can overwhelm sensitive young ears. Noise is not only uncomfortable for children it can cause stress, fear, and even long-term hearing damage.
For a complete age-by-age breakdown of which hearing protection is right for your child, see our guide to the best earplugs for kids.
Why are children’s ears more vulnerable than adults’?
Children’s hearing is more vulnerable than adults’ for three measurable reasons. Their ear canals are narrower, amplifying incoming sound pressure by up to 20 dB.
The hair cells inside the cochlea are still developing until approximately age 10. And children cannot always identify pain or discomfort caused by noise exposure until damage has already occurred.
According to the WHO, sounds above 75 dB pose a risk to children’s hearing with repeated exposure, a level easily exceeded by playgrounds (85 dB), concerts (100–110 dB), and fireworks (140–170 dB).
See our full guide to what noise levels are safe for children.
Understanding noise-induced hearing loss in children is the starting point for any parent making decisions about hearing protection, including which decibel levels cause damage and how quickly that damage accumulates with repeated exposure.
Our article on the signs of hearing damage in children covers the symptoms parents and teachers most frequently miss, including the early indicators that appear before any formal hearing test would flag a problem.
Which hearing protection is right for your child’s age?
Under 3 years
Earmuffs only. Earplugs are not suitable for infants and toddlers. In-ear products require adult supervision and are not recommended below age 3. For this age group, choose infant-sized over-ear earmuffs. Kidz+ earplugs become an option from age 3.
3 to 6 years
Earplugs with supervision. Children aged 3 and above can use silicone earplugs under parental supervision. Kidz+ (24 dB SNR) is designed for smaller ear canals and suitable from age 3.
If your child is reluctant to wear hearing protection, our guide on how to get kids to wear earplugs covers practical approaches by age.
6 to 12 years
Independent use. Older children can insert and remove earplugs on their own. Kidz+ works for everyday situations (school, travel, swimming), and its 24 dB SNR also suits louder events such as concerts and sports days.
Not sure whether earmuffs or earplugs are the right format for your child? See our earmuffs vs earplugs for kids guide for a side-by-side comparison by age group, noise level, and activity.
What situation is your child in?
Are earplugs safe for children to wear?
All Bollsen Kids Earplugs are tested and certified according to EU standards. They are hypoallergenic, plastic-free, and free from harmful substances, so parents can rely on maximum safety.
Silicone earplugs are the safest material for children. They are soft-touch, and free from the choking risk posed by disposable foam plugs if used without supervision. Kidz+ carries EU-standard (EN 352-2) certification. For a full breakdown of safety by age and usage, see our article Are earplugs safe for children?
If your child reports ear pain after noise exposure or earplug use, our article on ear ache in children covers the most common causes, warning signs, and when to seek medical advice.
If your child has grommets or ventilation tubes, see our guide on can children swim with ear tubes for a practical safety breakdown.
If your child develops ear pain or irritation after swimming, our article on swimmer’s ear in children covers causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it.
What customers told us
Mother of an eight-year-old with recurring ear pain during swimming, causing him to leave three consecutive summer camps early, including one cut short by four days. Used Bollsen Kidz+ from day one of an 18-day swim camp. Completed the full camp for the first time, finishing every session and earning his 10-metre badge.
Sarah M.ParentParent of a five-year-old with a burst eardrum and chronic ear infections persisting for over a year, preventing water exposure during baths, showers, and swimming. Used Bollsen Kidz+. No water entering the ears during bathing or pool use, including underwater swimming.
Rachel T.ParentPrimary school teacher whose class of 28 pupils struggled to complete homework due to chaotic home environments with sibling noise, TV, and road traffic. Ran a six-week pilot using Bollsen Kidz+ across the class. Homework completion rates improved noticeably within the pilot period, with parents independently messaging to ask what had changed. Now recommends Kidz+ to all new parents at the start of each term.
Claire B.Year 5 teacher