Book 10, Question 82
Why Is It Okay to Cover Your Ears When a Siren Is Very Loud?
It is okay to cover your ears when a siren is very loud because very loud sound can hurt your ears. Covering them turns the volume down. And moving away makes it even quieter.
More fun facts
- Over time, any sound that is 85 decibels or louder can cause hearing loss or a ringing in the ears called tinnitus.
- You can lose some of your hearing in less than a minute if you are near a police car, fire truck or ambulance siren.
- Health experts suggest moving away from loud noise whenever possible.
- Protective earmuffs block noise by completely covering both ears, and they come in sizes that fit babies and children.
- Earmuffs are easier to use than earplugs, especially for young children.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health
Questions kids ask
Is it rude to cover my ears near a siren?
No. Protecting your hearing is smart, and covering your ears or stepping away from a very loud siren helps keep your ears healthy.