[SilasX]

> Another heuristic I user is, "can a person with an upset toddler work this?

Incidentally, another UI that fails this is those automated answering services that “cleverly” let you answer with your voice instead of “press 1 for whatever”. The screaming toddler (or pet) will repeatedly short-circuit the process and get interpreted as an incomprehensible answer.

[geoduck14]

Oh, my gosh. I got noise canceling headphones SPECIFICALLY for my kids - only to learn they block low sounds, but not high pitched screaming.

[TeMPOraL]

I got 3M safety earmuffs specifically for my kid. They reduce the noise to a more manageable level, which is useful if either of us have a headache. But we sort of got used to the noise, so we don't use them much.

[wpietri]

Seconded! I love my 3M earmuffs, low-end Peltors. I can add earbuds underneath them if I want a little music or generated noise to completely remove audio distractions.

[rusk]

That’s a good thing. You can listen to what you want to without that nagging feeling you might be neglecting your kids!

[zelphirkalt]

If it happens often enough, you might train your kids to use the high pitch screaming sound though, as that will get them the attention. Scary thought what might develop from there!