The two loudest toys tested, Tonka’s Search N Rescue Talking Transceiver and DSI Toys’ Kawasaki Double Neck Guitar, measured at 94 decibels (dB) — the same level as a motorcycle or bulldozer.

Exposure to 94 dB will not create a permanent hearing loss, according to Dr. Samuel Levine, who oversaw the research study as assistant professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Otolaryngology and board member of the Sight & Hearing Association.

“However,” he said, “the intensity is relatively high and when combined with other loud noises could result in damage to the inner ear.”

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 for noise levels at a distance of three inches, six inches and 12 inches to simulate the way a child might hold the toy. A sound-proof booth was used to ensure an accurate reading.

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, requires only that toys not exceed 138 dB when measured 25 cm from the surface of the toy. This is louder than a gunshot or a jet at take-off.

The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) protects the nation’s workers from hearing loss, however, the same protection is not offered to children. Standards set by OSHA indicate that continued exposure to noise over 85 dBA will eventually harm hearing. In other words, if these toys were tools and a person were at work rather than at play, he or she would be mandated to wear hearing protection.

Screened at Stillwater Head Start as part of SHA’s preschool screening program, Jordan was able to hear all the tones in his right ear, but none in his left. With a referral from the Sight & Hearing Association, Jordan went to see Bruce Dennison, M.D., an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat physician) with the Stillwater Medical Group. Dr. Dennison found Jordan was completely deaf in his left ear.

His parents and teachers were baffled. Jordan displayed no outward signs that he had a hearing loss. In fact, when Jordan was 3, he passed a similar hearing screening in Iowa and, since age 4, had mastered the alphabet and his name. After more testing, doctors determined the probable cause of Jordan’s hearing loss: carbon monoxide in the home.

In December 1997, the Dahls found their water heater and furnace emitted high levels of carbon monoxide, enough to deprive Jordan of oxygen. Put under 48-hour surveillance, Jordan had no adverse reactions — until four months later when he was screened by the Sight & Hearing Association. Jordan is now undergoing neurological testing to ensure no other damage was done.

“I thank the Lord so much for the people who screened Jordan,” claimed Melissa Dahl, Jordan’s mom. “Even though they found a problem, now at least I know about it.”

To keep herself informed, Melissa is now an avid reader of materials on hearing and hearing loss. Jordan, a kindergartner this year, has 100 percent hearing in his right ear, says his mom, so it’s even more important to protect the good hearing he has left.

“I can’t imagine what would have happened had Jordan not had this screening,” Melissa said. “Most likely, he would start having problems in school and we wouldn’t know why. It’s wonderful that someone found it.”

If you would like to know more about SHA’s preschool screening program, call Sue Veys, SHA’s director of screening, at 651-645-2546.

The program consists of three tests - visual acuity, glaucoma and hearing - conveniently offered on-site to office employees. Rather than taking two hours at a doctor’s office, employees now can take 10 minutes out of their schedule to check their vision and hearing. If the screening detects a potential problem related to vision or hearing, screeners then recommend a complete follow-up visit with a medical professional.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a complete eye exam every two years for those 40- to 65-years-old. However, the average person has his or her eyes examined only every four years.

"If an eye disease - such as glaucoma - is caught early on, it can be treated from progressing any further", said Agnes Huang, M.D., an ophthalmologist at the University of Minnesota and member of SHA’s board of directors. "Frequently, however, people don’t realize they have an eye disease until it’s too late."

The same is true for hearing loss, which generally occurs gradually and may go unnoticed because it seldom involves pain. According to the Better Hearing Institute, more than 80 percent of patients seen by a primary-care physician for annual physicals are not given a hearing test.

"The last time most people had their hearing checked was in grammar school", said Ann Napp, audiologist and member of SHA’s advisory board. "Now, they’re 40-years-old and don’t realize their hearing is not as acute as it once was."

The screenings do not take the place of complete examinations by health-care professionals. The Sight & Hearing Association recommends that a person have regular vision and hearing exams by a medical professional.

How long have you been involved with SHA?
I’ve been involved with the Sight & Hearing Association for a little more than one year.

Why did you become involved with SHA?
[CEO] Vi Traynor contacted me (we had worked together when she was with the Twin Cities Builders Association) about my interest in serving on the board. Once she described the mission and activities, I felt I could make a contribution because of my background in advertising. I was really “sold” on the idea of prevention vs. treatment. I had vision problems when I was young, and felt they contributed to my problems in school. Unfortunately, my teachers felt it was my attitude and behavior.

What one idea would you give to help SHA promote prevention?
I don’t have “one” idea. We need to do many things, and SHA currently has a number of effective strategies for promoting prevention. Our most effective strategy has been public relations, where we’ve received positive attention from local and national media. If I could come up with one idea, it would be how to develop a multi-million dollar budget so we could truly broadcast our message to all appropriate target audiences.

From 10 a.m.?2 p.m., participants will receive a thorough screening, consultation with an ophthalmologist and free hand-outs to take home. In addition, WCCO-TV personality Esme Murphy, who last year was diagnosed with glaucoma, will speak about her personal experience dealing with the disease.

“Because glaucoma rarely has early symptoms, most people with the disease don’t know they have it and may have lost a substantial amount of vision before it’s detected,” said Mary Bhavsar, M.D., an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma. “Once vision is lost this way, it cannot be restored.

“If glaucoma is detected and treated early in its progression,” added Dr. Bhavsar, “it can usually be controlled before serious vision loss occurs. That’s why, if you’re at risk for glaucoma, you should have your eyes examined through dilated pupils at least every two years.”

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States affecting an estimated three million Americans — half of whom do not know they have the disease. It occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases, leading to optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral vision. As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result. Risk factors for glaucoma include: