5 Dangerous Household Sounds

Even though there are  several loud sound sources in workplaces, concerts and sporting events, there are also some potentially dangerous household sounds that can lead to hearing loss down the line.

By definition, dangerous sounds are a combination of intensity and duration. Sounds of 85 dBA can cause damage after exposure for many hours. Sounds from 85-115 dBA can cause damage in a shorter period of time. Sounds over 120 dBA can cause permanent damage with limited exposure, even without causing pain.

Garbage disposals, blenders, coffee grinders and other food processors, although noisy, are rarely used long enough to cause problems. Your hair dryer and vacuum can exceed 90 dBA, but since these are used for reasonably short durations of time, it’s not a cause for concern. But stepping into your yard, into your shed, is where we find our first dangerous sound.

#1 Leafblowers. Perhaps the noisiest item in your shed, their noise levels can typically range from 110-115 dBA. Hearing protection should always be worn with these annoying noise-makers, since they are typically used for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Down in the basement, hiding in your basic toolbox is our next dangerous sound: 

#2 Hammering Nails. If done energetically enough, you can produce sound bursts of 120-140 dBA. You don’t think of wearing hearing protection with old-fashioned hand tools, but in this case, you should.

Our next dangerous sound seems fun, but beware the consequences:

#3 Popping Balloons. One of the reasons we all love balloons is because of the loud sounds they make when they are popped. Unfortunately, that sound can also be way too loud. A study at the University of Alberta, “Did You Know How Loud Balloons Can Be?” published in Canadian Audiologist, found that balloons inflated to rupture could produce a peak impulse-noise sound pressure level of approximately 168 dB SPL, louder than a 12-gauge shotgun blast.¹ Keep this in mind when planning or attending your next celebration.

Next up, a sound that is produced by a device that has perhaps caused the most widespread damage to the most people:

#4 Headphones and Earbuds. These personal entertainment accessories are seen everywhere and are easily abused. They produce sound pressure levels of 85-110 dBA, which even though it’s not as high as other threats, they are potentially more dangerous because of the duration of use. At these levels, damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Both volume levels and duration should be monitored and controlled strictly. Hearing damage often occurs very gradually, and as you turn up the volume to compensate for your damaged hearing, you become at risk for even further damage. These may be the most dangerous sound producers in your house.

Our last dangerous sound is even more innocent than balloons:

#5 The Squeaky Toy. Depending on the size of the “squeaker,” they can produce sounds as loud as 110-135 dBA, especially when held within close proximity to the ear. Go ahead and take your rubber ducky into the tub with you, but use it to blow bubbles, not to quack in your ears.

In short, avoid noises that are too loud, too close or last too long. In all these examples, of course, there is a wide range of noise production. You can get quieter appliances and quieter tools. You can be aware of the risks and how to limit your exposure.

If you are finding it difficult to understand others when they talk or have to turn up the volume on your entertainment units more and more, have your hearing tested. Find a hearing care center near you today and get the evaluation and treatment you need. Rest assured, Sonic hearing aids include protective technology to help comfortably limit the types of impulse noises mentioned above, in order to make Everyday Sounds Better.

Reference:

1. Bill Hodgetts, PhD, Dylan Scott, BSc, MSc, “Did You Know How Loud Balloons Can Be?”, Canadian Audiologist, 2016, Volume 3, Issue 6.

To book your hearing assessment today, contact your local Sonic partner clinic