Did you know that children can suffer hearing damage at a young age, often without noticing it themselves? Children are exposed to loud sounds every day, partly due to intensive use of headphones and earbuds. Hearing damage caused in this way is permanent. So raising awareness is more important than ever.
Together with colleagues from Erasmus MC, VeiligheidNL and UMC Utrecht, physician-researcher Willemijn van Diemen is conducting research into De HoorToren, a Healthy School activity that teaches children how their hearing works, what sound is and how they can keep their ears healthy. It is the perfect time: many children get their first phone in year 7 and often start listening to music through earbuds or headphones. This lesson package helps them make smart choices for their hearing from the very beginning.
What does the research involve?
From September 2026 to June 2027, the research will examine how De HoorToren helps pupils deal with sound more safely. Schools can participate by teaching the De HoorToren lessons in class (seven lessons in September and October 2026), after which the researchers will monitor the children’s listening behaviour throughout the year using questionnaires and an app.
Why participate?
We are looking for enthusiastic schools and teachers who want to work with us to help create a generation of children who know how to keep their ears healthy. De HoorToren is a Healthy School activity, making it an ideal way to introduce the importance of health and safety in the classroom in a fun and interactive manner. Together, we can help prevent hearing damage and better protect the children of the future.
Would you like to register your school or learn more about the research? Please contact us at [email protected]. Read here for more information about the research.