Reader Mail Monday: Headphones

From Anonymous: Hey Tech Savvy Mama! Thanks for introducing us to the PBS Kids site. Its great that it is interactive and talks to my kid but the tunes and character voices are really grating on my nerves.

I’ve tried turning down the sound but even the lowest volume isn’t quiet enough. I’m going crazy because of the noise! Are there good quiet websites that you recommend or do you have other ideas???

Invest in a good set of child size headphones for your child!

Why children’s headphones?

Just as you wouldn’t put an adult bike helmet on your toddler/preschooler’s head, you don’t want get them a pair of adult headphones. Adult headphones are too big for your child’s head. Unless they can be adjusted to be incredibly small, they will slip off, making your child not want to wear them and you wanting to throw the computer out the window. With child headphones, your child will still get to hear the sounds without driving you crazy.

Little Miss Techie’s headphones are wonderful because they actually fit her 4 year old head. They can be adjusted to fit even smaller heads. Captain Computer is 20 months old and they can be made smaller to fit his head (although he didn’t like participating in our sizing test). Unfortunately the headphones our kids use were made by a company that is now out of business.

I just heard of a company called iHearSafeT (May 2008 Parenting Magazine) that makes headphones that are designed so your child will never be listening to audio at unsafe volumes. Designed by a mom, iHearSafeT products prevent the volume from going over 80 decibels, a safe level that prevents noise induced hearing loss. iHearSafeT earbuds, headphones, and noise canceling headphones are compatible with iPods, MP3 players, GameBoys, stereos, tvs, video games, cell phones, and portable DVD players. I’d be interested in trying the iHearSafeT products for Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer since they are aimed at preventing hearing loss and are sold for $19.99 each or 3 for $49.99.

If you have child size headphones, or have a pair of the iHearSafeT products, that save your sanity and your kids like, I’d love to hear more about them so please leave comment!

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