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Nearly 1 in 5 people have some degree of hearing loss, a medical condition that reduces capacity to hear and process speech as well as sound. A common cause of hearing loss is noise – something we all navigate on a daily basis. Over 30 million people are regularly exposed to hazardous noise levels highlighting the importance of protecting your hearing health. Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable and integrating safety measures can significantly mitigate the toll loud noise can have on hearing.
Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss
One time or regular exposure to loud noise can permanently damage the auditory system – the sensory system for hearing. Loud noise can weaken the sensory cells in the inner ear, impairing them from performing their essential function. There are thousands of these cells in the inner ear and they are responsible for converting incoming sound waves into electrical signals. These signals then get sent to the brain where they are further processed. The brain assigns meaning to these signals which allows us to understand what we hear.
Loud noise can desensitize sensory cells which impacts their ability to function effectively. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information and this causes hearing loss. Unlike other types of cells that we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate. There are also no ways to repair these cells so any damage they experience is permanent, producing chronic hearing loss.
How loud is too loud?
You may be surprised to learn that noise does not have to be as loud as you may assume for it to affect your hearing health. Sound that exceeds 85dB (decibels) is considered hazardous for hearing health. This is equivalent to a busy restaurant during peak hours, a hair dryer, or city traffic. According to experts, the maximum threshold for safe listening is 85dB for 8 hours. But for sound that surpasses 85dB, exposure time needs to be drastically reduced. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) outlines safety guidelines for listening which include:
- 85dB: 8 hours
- 88dB: 4 hours
- 91dB: 2 hours
- 94dB: 30min
This highlights that for every 3 decibel increase of sound (after 85dB), exposure time should be reduced by half. Exceeding these thresholds can take a toll on hearing health and contribute to noise induced hearing loss.
Everyday Activities That Can Impact Hearing
There are numerous activities that we regularly engage in that produce noise levels that can be potentially dangerous for hearing. A few common examples include:
- Work: according to the Hearing Health Foundation, over 22 million people are exposed to excessive noise levels in the workplace.
- Household appliances: several household appliances make noise that is near or above 85dB, this includes:
- blenders, food processors – up to 100dB
- power tools: drills, chainsaw etc. – up to 110dB
- lawn mower, leaf blower, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer: up to 90dB
- Social activities: there are a range of social activities that are common ways people are exposed to loud noise. A few examples include:
- parties, loud restaurants, bars: 85-90dB
- concerts, games in arenas etc.: up to 110dB
- Earbuds/Headphones: using earbuds or headphones is a common way people listen to audio – music, podcasts, talking on the phone etc. While this is convenient, it is also a common way people are exposed to loud noise. These items connected to a device like your phone can reach up to 100dB at the highest volume setting.
These common activities can be risky for hearing health. It is important to practice safety measures to protect your hearing which can prevent noise induced hearing loss.
Tips to Protect Hearing Health
Implementing the following safety measures can significantly protect your hearing health and wellness:
- Wear hearing protection: this includes headphones, earplugs, and earmuffs which reduce the amount of loud noise you absorb.
- Invest in noise cancellation: noise canceling headphones reduce background noise, preventing you from needing to increase the volume on your electronic devices.
- Reduce exposure: there are many ways to do this including taking listening breaks throughout the day, maintaining lower volume settings on electronic devices,
- Test hearing regularly: this allows you to track your hearing health and intervene early if you experience any symptoms over time.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can protect your hearing health and to schedule an appointment or a hearing consultation.