How to Protect Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common type of hearing loss in the United States today, currently effecting over 26 million Americans. This kind of hearing loss is caused by exposure to noise loud enough to damage the tiny sound-receiving hairs in the inner ear.

How loud is too loud?

The “loudness” of sound is measured in decibels (dB). Current health guidelines suggest that your hearing may be damaged if you are exposed to levels above 105dB for more than 15 minutes each week. Noises that measure from 85- 105dB can still be damaging if you are regularly exposed to them for several hours at a time. In a nutshell, beyond 85dB, the louder the sound and the longer you are exposed to it, the greater your risk of permanently damaging your hearing. The only way to definitively guard against NIHL is to wear ear protectors in any environment where you are likely to be exposed to noises measuring over 85dB. The list below will give you an idea of how some noises we are commonly exposed to measure in decibels:

• A quiet whisper: 30dB
• Normal conversation: 60-65dB
• Telephone dial tone: 80dB
• Busy traffic: 85dB
• Power drill: 98dB
• Motorcycle: 100dB
• Power saw: 110dB
• Nightclub / rock concert: 115dB
• Fireworks: 125dB

Workplace and noise

Modern health and safety regulations mean that exposure to dangerously loud sounds in the workplace is relatively uncommon, though if you work in a particularly hazardous occupation such as construction or factory work, you should still be mindful that you are given good quality ear defenders and are allowed regular breaks away from the noise.

Recreational noise

Most NIHL today is caused by sound heard in a recreational setting, for instance: music listened to through headphones, nightclubs, fireworks, concerts and motorized recreational vehicles. In these situations, ear protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs are the only way to ensure your hearing does not get permanently damaged. Ear protectors work by reducing the level of sound that reaches your inner ear. They all have a “noise reduction rating” which represents the number of decibels the sound you are hearing is reduced by. Most earplugs or muffs have a noise reduction rating of between 15 to 35dB.

Tips to protecting your hearing

• Where possible, take regular breaks away from the noisy environment to allow your ears a chance to recover.
• Where breaks are not possible, at rock concerts for instance, ear defenders are a MUST. Music venues are required by law to provide free earplugs to patrons, though these may not be of the best quality.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Going to public displays means you are far more likely to be at a safe hearing distance. If you must use fireworks yourself, be sure to wear ear protection.
• Use over-the-ear headphones rather than ear-buds when listening to music. These will block out more background noise and allow you to the same listening experience without having to turn the volume up too high!

NIHL is a very serious issue impacting numerous generations. Invest in proper ear protection to ensure your hearing and overall health are taken care of!