Children's ears are more sensitive and their auditory systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to hearing damage from loud noises. Generic adult earbuds may exceed safe volume limits or not fit properly, increasing the risk of long-term hearing loss. Kid-specific earbuds are designed with safety and comfort in mind.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children's audio exposure should not exceed 85 decibels (dB) for extended periods. Look for kids earbuds that have a built-in, hardware-based volume limiter at or below 85dB, which cannot be easily bypassed by the child. Some experts even suggest a more conservative limit of 75dB for younger children or longer listening sessions.

Prioritize volume-limiting technology (capped at 85dB), a comfortable and secure fit with multiple, small ear tip sizes, durability (e.g., water resistance, tangle-free cords, robust build), and safe sound quality that provides clear audio without needing excessive volume. Noise-canceling or noise-isolating features can also be beneficial as they reduce the need to increase volume in noisy environments.

Both can be safe if they adhere to volume limits. However, some audiologists suggest that over-ear headphones might be slightly safer for very young children as they don't insert into the ear canal, potentially reducing the risk of ear infections from poor hygiene or improper insertion. For older children, well-fitting earbuds designed for kids can be equally safe, especially if they have features like "transparency mode" to maintain situational awareness.

Common concerns include potential hearing damage from excessive volume, the risk of ear infections (especially with in-ear models if hygiene is poor), distractions (especially with noise-canceling features in outdoor environments), and the general impact of screen time and constant audio exposure. There are also less substantiated concerns about radiation from wireless earbuds, though current scientific consensus indicates these low levels are not harmful.

• Encourage breaks: Advise children to take a break from their earbuds every 60 minutes.
• Monitor volume: Even with volume-limiting features, occasionally check the volume level. If you can hear the sound from an arm's length away, it's likely too loud.
• Teach awareness: Explain the importance of hearing their surroundings, especially outdoors. If the earbuds have a transparency mode, encourage its use.
• Promote hygiene: Teach children to keep their earbuds and ears clean to prevent infections.
• Limit listening time: Encourage a balance of screen-free activities.