EDMONTON — Bill Hodgetts doesn't want to be a party-pooper.
But the University of Alberta researcher has found that noise from bursting balloons can be unsafe for children's hearing.
The audiologist says popping a balloon next to someone's ear is as loud as firing a high-powered shotgun.
The finding is part of a study, co-authored by engineer Dylan Scott, recently published in Canadian Audiologist.
Long-term hearing loss
Hodgetts says kids typically find popping balloons irresistible, especially at birthday parties, but it may contribute to long-term hearing loss.
He hopes parents will come to consider hearing protection as important as putting sunscreen on their children before they go outside.
But the University of Alberta researcher has found that noise from bursting balloons can be unsafe for children's hearing.
The audiologist says popping a balloon next to someone's ear is as loud as firing a high-powered shotgun.
The finding is part of a study, co-authored by engineer Dylan Scott, recently published in Canadian Audiologist.
Long-term hearing loss
Hodgetts says kids typically find popping balloons irresistible, especially at birthday parties, but it may contribute to long-term hearing loss.
He hopes parents will come to consider hearing protection as important as putting sunscreen on their children before they go outside.
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