For the sixth year, the nonprofit organization and researchers from the University of Minnesota tested a variety of toys - taken right off the shelves of local toy stores - for potentially dangerous noise levels. This year's top two offenders, Barney "Songs" - a book - and The Home Depot Workman's Screwdriver, blared at 115 and 112 decibels (dB), respectively. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, that level leads to a risk of hearing damage in less than 15 minutes.

"I was so surprised by these results," said Seth Janus, M.D., an otolaryngologist and resident at the University of Minnesota's department of otolaryngology who tested the toys. "All of these toys are meant for such young kids, and they are incredibly loud. It is well known that loud noise exposure is harmful and results in hearing loss. It is even more worrisome when young children are exposed to loud noise because the damage is cumulative and irreversible."

Because of a child's shorter arm span, toys are often potentially more dangerous because children hold them closer to their ears. In the Sight & Hearing Association study, the toys were tested at distances simulating how a child might hold the toy, directly near the ear (0 inches) and at arm's length (12 inches). A soundproof booth was used to ensure an accurate recording.

Currently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have regulations that address the loudness of toys. Another regulatory agency, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), has recognized that noise is a problem and has proposed new standards that address the sound levels of toys. However, those standards, which have not yet been adopted, propose a hand-held, table-top or crib toy not exceed 90 dB at 25 cm. Moreover, compliance with the standard is voluntary.

To protect your children, the Sight & Hearing Association offers the following tips:

• Listen to a toy before you buy it. If it sounds loud to you, it's too loud for your child.
• Report a loud toy. Call the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Sight & Hearing Association.
• Put masking or packing tape over the speaker on the toy. This will reduce the volume.