Our modern world is much louder than it once was. We are surrounded by so many sounds as we go about our daily lives that we might not even notice them at first.
From the hum of the washing machine to blaring car horns, noise is all around us. I’m sure you know that loud noises can harm your hearing. But do you know exactly how loud sounds need to be to jeopardize your hearing health?
Here at Woodard Hearing Centers, we are dedicated to educating and empowering you to protect your hearing health for years to come. Let’s explore how loud is too loud, and how you can protect your precious hearing from harmful noise.
Understanding Decibel Levels
We measure noise intensity in decibels (dB). When sounds exceed and continue at a level of 85 dB or higher, you’re at an increased risk of hearing damage.
To put this into perspective, your refrigerator produces sounds that are 45-75 dB. A vacuum cleaner usually produces noises at 60-85 dB. A loud concert can reach 100-120 dB and a balloon popping registers at 157 dB.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
So how do you know how loud is too loud? Well, the problem stems from a combination of loudness and duration.
If noise is louder than 85 dB, it’s important to reduce your exposure time. For example, a balloon popping near you for a split second isn’t likely to cause any damage. However, attending a concert that lasts two hours at 120 dB can negatively affect your hearing.
Everyday sounds that you might not even think about can often exceed 95 decibels. Especially in urban environments, ambulance sirens, blaring car alarms, and construction sounds can cause damage to your ears. Even standing too close to your blender for too long while you make a smoothie can be harmful! If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to protect your hearing.
How to Protect Your Hearing from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Here are some practical measures you can take to protect your hearing:
Wear Hearing Protection:
Hearing protection is crucial when you’re exposed to loud noises, whether at work or during leisure activities. The foam earplugs you can find at the drugstore are better than nothing for occasional exposure to mildly loud sounds. However, if you’re regularly exposed to loud noises —perhaps on the job—custom hearing protection is a worthwhile investment.
Use Over-the-Ear Headphones:
Noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones can minimize the need for high volume levels by blocking out background noise. This type of headphone is a safer choice than earbuds.
Turn Down the Volume:
Make sure the volume on your TV and other electronic devices is at a safe level, and take breaks when using your electronic devices. Keep the volume on your headphones turned down to around 60 percent, and use your headphones for no more than an hour at a time.
If you have an existing hearing loss, the best thing that you can do for your health is to seek professional hearing care. Your audiologist will conduct a comprehensive hearing test and create a customized treatment plan for your needs.
Your Hearing Health Partners in Adell, Grinnell, and Urbandale
If you or a loved one is in need of professional hearing care, our team at Woodard Hearing Centers is here to help you.
Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to access the highest quality of hearing healthcare.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions we may be able to answer, give our offices a call at 1-800-233-4327.
You can also complete this form to schedule a hearing test.
We look forward to hearing from you!
