How Loud Is Too Loud?

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is hearing impairment resulting from exposure to loud sounds either from a single sound burst, like an explosion or from continuous exposure to loud noises over a period of time, like a concert. It can affect you over a narrow range of frequencies or it may impact your perception of sound overall. You might also have a painful sensitivity to sound or ringing in the ears. These symptoms can be temporary or permanent. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD)1, potential risks around the house may come from lawnmowers, leaf blowers and woodworking tools. Proper ear-protection (like earplugs) is a simple way to shield and keep your ears safe during loud noise exposure.

 

Enjoy sound responsibly.

For all the joy and entertainment that it brings us, music is one of the most common risks to our hearing. That includes listening to music at a high volume through earbuds or headphones, cranking up the sound system in your car or sitting close to the stage at loud concerts. At a concert, proximity matters. If you double your distance from the sound source, you are reducing the sound pressure level by 75%. If you feel that the music is too loud, move away from the stage. Proximity is also why headphones can be safer than earbuds—because the sound source is farther from your middle ear. But you can still damage your hearing by abusing headphone volume, so be careful.

  

To understand how to minimize your risk, let’s talk a little about sound itself. Sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Sounds at or below 70 dBA, are not likely to cause hearing loss even after long exposure. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing damage to occur.

Here are the average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:

·        Normal conversation    60-70 dBA

·        Movie theater    74-104 dBA

·        Motorcyles and dirt bikes       80-110 dBA

·        Music through earbuds or headphones at maximum volume, sporting events, and         concerts    94-110 dBA

·        Sirens    110-129 dBA

·        Fireworks show explosions    140-160 dBA

Preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss

 

Practice good hearing habits and protect your hearing with these tips:

•  Proactively identify noises and situations that may cause damage so that you can plan accordingly (85 dBA or above)

• Wear earplugs or other protective devices when involved in a loud activity. Make sure to choose the appropriate protective device for your activity.

•  If you can’t protect yourself or reduce the noise, separate yourself from the source.

• · Be alert to potentially hazardous noises in the environment.

•   Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.

• Educate your family, friends, and colleagues about the hazards of loud noises to their hearing.

·        Have your hearing tested regularly to monitor any changes to your hearing.

In short, do everything you can to avoid noises that are too loud, too close or last too long.

 

Find out if you have Noise Induced Hearing Loss

It is important to find out if you have Noise Induced Hearing Loss as the damage from noise exposure is often gradual and may not be noticed by you right away. If you find it difficult to understand other people when they talk, if you find that it sounds as if others are mumbling, or if you are constantly turning up the volume, it may be time to have your hearing tested by a professional. Find a hearing care centre near you  today and get the evaluation and treatment you need to make Everyday Sounds Better.

 

Reference:

1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD) Website, “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss”, 2019.

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