Hearing & tinnitus
Earplugs for children: when and how to use them
A child's ear canal is smaller and their hearing still developing, which makes them more vulnerable than an adult to loud noise exposure — fireworks, a concert, a sports event, a shooting stall at a fair. Yet hearing protection remains a reflex rarely adopted by families.
A study conducted among 11-12 year-old children measured this gap between frequent exposure and near-nonexistent protection.
Quick answer
For fireworks, a concert or a loud event, foam or soft silicone earplugs, sized appropriately, are recommended as soon as the child can report discomfort. For babies and toddlers, over-the-ear muffs are generally preferred over earplugs inserted into the canal.
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Discover our earplugsWhat the science says
Świerniak W. et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020
Cross-sectional study, hearing screening in primary schools in Warsaw, 1,032 children aged 11-12
Only 11.5% of children had ever used hearing protection during loud activities (concerts, sports events, nightclubs, shooting ranges), even though these exposures were reported as frequent by a large share of them.
Limitation: Study conducted in a single city, based on children's own self-reports of their habits (possible recall or reporting bias), without testing an intervention to improve this rate.
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Discover our earplugsPractical tips
Fireworks: an underestimated danger
Fireworks can exceed 150 dB. The recommended peak sound pressure threshold is lower for children than for adults, precisely because their hearing is more fragile.
Over-the-ear muffs for babies and toddlers
A model worn over the ear, with nothing inserted into the canal, is generally preferred for the youngest children — simpler to fit and without insertion-related risk.
Insertable earplugs from what age
As soon as a child can express discomfort and stay reasonably still while it's fitted, small foam or soft silicone earplugs become a suitable option, under supervision.
Why so few children wear them
The study cited shows a clear gap between how often loud exposures happen and how rarely real protection is used — often, no one simply thinks of it at the right moment.
Build the habit early
Having a child wear protection from their first loud events (fireworks, family concerts) helps normalize the habit, rather than waiting for discomfort to appear.
Our earplugs
We don't have a model specifically sized for children in our current range: our soft silicone, smaller and more moldable than a standard foam earplug, still suits many children — always test the fit before the event rather than on the day itself.
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Discover our earplugsFrequently asked questions
From what age can a child wear earplugs?+
There's no single age: it mainly depends on the child's ability to express discomfort and tolerate having them fitted. For babies and toddlers, over-the-ear muffs are a simpler alternative.
Do adult earplugs work for children?+
A soft, small model can suit some children, but a plug designed for an adult canal is often too big or uncomfortable. Always test the fit before the event.
Are muffs better than earplugs for a baby?+
Yes, generally: they require no insertion into the ear canal, making them simpler and safer to use for the very young.
How do I know if my child's ears hurt after a loud event?+
A child may complain of a ringing sound, a muffled-ear feeling, or simply seem less responsive to sounds in the hours that follow. These signs call for limiting exposure next time and, if they persist, seeing a doctor.
Also worth reading
Scientific sources
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