Noise level in homes affect speech in children

Brandy - posted on 09/08/2010

It makes sense to me. If there is constant background noise, especially loud noise they might miss out on hearing the proper pronunciation of certain words or sounds. Not to mention that it provides less opportunity for conversation. I know my children tend to do less actual speaking when we are in a loud situation like a birthday party. My daughter who is 2 will laugh and play and scream and say the occasional thing like "come on, Cooper!" if they are playing and he's not keeping up but won't actually converse like she does at home. And my son who is 8 months won't make much noise at all even though he is usually a very active babbler.

Kelly - posted on 09/08/2010

I agree with the study. I have noticed it in the children of friends and family who keep their TV's on all day for "background noise" and I am glad there is now evidence to support the idea--maybe they will turn off the TV for a few minutes and listen to their thoughts!

I find that having the TV on all the time makes it hard to focus, so it makes a lot of sense that it would make it harder to learn. I also feel like it makes it harder to form original thoughts, or think without being led by an outside influence.

(Noisy siblings or relatives have the same effect, but most families I know are small and the only excessive noise is the TV so that is why I used it as my example, not just bashing TV :)

Caitlin - posted on 09/08/2010

Not surprising. Our house is pretty noisy, I`m ahrd of hearing, so even when the TV or radio is on "low" for me, it may be quite loud to others. My daughter is 22 months old, and still doens't speak very clearly at all, but on the toher hand it may be clearer than I think, because I find it hard to hear well.. lol.. viscious circle..

Meghan - posted on 09/07/2010

I am going to have to disagree....I mean guess I can't really DISAGREE if there is a study..but we always have the tv or radio on in our house and my son's verbal communication is VERY advanced.

Katherine - posted on 09/06/2010

Oh sorry, I posted it this group just to throw you off. No, I found the study interesting and since you all have an AP style I thought this might interest you.