GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising the public—particularly adults, parents, and guardians—to be mindful of the risks associated with exposure to loud music during Carnival 2026 activities.
CPS emphasizes that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, especially in young children, and calls on families to take the necessary precautions to protect their hearing.
With Carnival festivities well underway, several major events featuring music trucks and amplified sound systems are scheduled in the coming weeks.
These include the Junior Carnival Parade on Sunday, April 19, the Jouvert Morning Jump-Up on Monday, April 27, the Grand Carnival Parade on Thursday, April 30, and the Labour Day Lighted Parade on Friday, May 1.
CPS is encouraging the public to be cautious when attending these events, particularly by avoiding standing in close proximity to speakers on sound trucks.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and higher decibel levels indicate louder and more potentially harmful sounds. Exposure to excessive noise, even for short periods, can have adverse effects on hearing.
In children, environmental noise exposure has also been linked to stress responses, reduced well-being, and increased levels of hormones such as adrenaline. Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in permanent and irreversible hearing damage.
Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and may affect one or both ears, making it difficult to hear normal conversation or loud sounds. CPS is therefore urging parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during Carnival activities and ensure they are not positioned near high-volume sound sources.
To reduce the risk of hearing damage, CPS recommends the use of child-sized hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs during noisy events.
Parents are also encouraged to limit the amount of time children spend in high-noise environments and to teach them to move away from loud sound sources when possible. Additionally,
children who frequently participate in noisy activities should have their hearing checked regularly.
CPS encourages the community to take a proactive approach to hearing health during the festive season. By taking simple preventive measures, families can enjoy Carnival 2026 while protecting the well-being of their children.
For more information, contact CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322, or 542-1570, or email surveillance@sintmaartengov.org
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/For-Parents-&-Kids-Avoid-standing-near-speakers-to-prevent-hearing-loss.aspx
