As parents, we want the best for our children, and that includes protecting their hearing while they enjoy their favorite music, games, and videos. But not all headphones are created equal—especially when it comes to kids and teens. Here's what you need to know to make an informed choice when purchasing headphones for your children.
Hearing protection: Why volume limiting matters
Children’s ears are more sensitive than adults', and extended exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent hearing damage. Many standard headphones don’t limit volume, which means kids can easily—and often do—listen at dangerously high levels without realizing it.
To protect their hearing, it’s essential to choose headphones that cap the volume at 85 decibels (dB)—the recommended safe listening limit by audiologists. However, limiting the volume to 85dB is only part of the solution. If kids listen at this level for too long, it can still cause irreparable damage. Experts recommend limiting exposure at this level to under 3.5 hours per week to prevent long-term hearing loss. Lowering the volume to 75dB, for example, extends safe listening time to 40 hours per week—giving kids the freedom to enjoy their audio without risking their hearing.
Why POGS?
All POGS headphones come equipped with volume-limiting technology, capping sound at 85dB to protect young ears from harmful levels of noise. For wireless options like The Turtle and Gecko 2, parents can take control of their child's listening habits through the POGS app, which allows them to set custom volume limits and monitor usage in real time. This extra layer of protection ensures that your child's audio experience is always safe, no matter where they are.
When it comes to wired headphones, sound levels can sometimes be more difficult to control due to the increased output of modern devices. That’s why POGS developed the POGS-Safe Audio Cable. This unique feature adds an additional safeguard by limiting volume levels even during wired listening. The Elephant 2, our wired model, offers this enhanced safety feature, ensuring peace of mind for parents. With POGS, whether your child prefers wireless freedom or a sturdy wired connection, you can be confident that their listening is always secure and safe.
Durability & safety: Designed for kids
When choosing headphones for kids, safety isn’t just about hearing protection—it extends to the materials used. Headphones should be made with non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials to ensure they’re safe for everyday use.
POGS headphones are crafted with sustainability in mind, using durable materials like 41% recycled plastics in the Gecko 2 and Elephant 2 models. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also ensure the headphones can handle the rough handling that comes with daily use by children, whether they’re tossed into a backpack or accidentally dropped.
And while durability is essential for long-term use, the safety of the materials themselves is just as important. POGS headphones are lightweight, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, ensuring your kids can use them comfortably for extended periods without exposure to harmful substances.
Why POGS? Safety and sustainability in one
At POGS, we believe in protecting both your child’s well-being and the planet. Our headphones feature up to 57% recycled materials in both product and packaging, offering an eco-conscious solution to safe sound. With robust, sustainable designs, POGS headphones are built to last while safeguarding young ears and reducing environmental impact. It’s a responsible choice for families who value safety and sustainability in equal measure.
Adapting safety for different listening needs
As kids grow, their listening needs evolve—and their headphones should adapt too. Features like active and passive noise cancellation create a quiet environment, allowing for safer listening at lower volumes. For example, during study sessions or quiet reading time, background noise might tempt kids to turn up the volume too high. Noise cancellation helps reduce these distractions, enabling safer listening even at lower volume levels.
Why POGS?
The POGS app, available with The Turtle and The Gecko 2, gives parents control over their child’s listening experience. Through the app, you can monitor and adjust volume levels in real-time, set maximum limits based on your child’s age or activity, and even establish timers to encourage healthy listening breaks. These features help ensure that your child develops safe listening habits over time, and as their needs change.
What to look for in kid-friendly headphones
When shopping for kids' headphones, keep the following features in mind:
- Volume limiting: Headphones should cap volume at 85dB to prevent hearing damage.
- Comfort & fit: Choose headphones with adjustable headbands and soft ear cushions for a comfortable, secure fit during long listening periods.
- Durability & safety: Opt for headphones made from sturdy, sustainable materials that are hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use.
- Smart features: Look for wireless or noise-cancelling capabilities and apps that allow parents to monitor and manage listening habits, adding an extra layer of safety.
