We are bombarded by noise throughout the day. Traffic, appliances, televisions, machines, music, crowds (sporting events set records for 'loud' stages), and garden equipment are constant sounds in our lives.
Some sounds we are exposed to safe levels and are not problematic. Others may be harmful. About 30 million people have hearing loss induced by noise, and that number continues to grow, especially with the continued use of headsets and headphones for listening to music, podcasts, and everything else on our mobile devices.
Why this problem is so widespread? Unfortunately, the effects of noise are often underestimated because the damage occurs gradually. Loud noises have become commonplace in our culture and, although traumatize our eardrums, there is not outside the visible physical effects. Consequently, people have still not appreciated the serious impact induced hearing loss noise has on their daily lives until they become frustrated by a permanent communication problem or continuous ringing in their ears.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the sounds are considered dangerous by more than 85 decibels (db or). Being exposed to sudden or loud sounds over periods of time can cause an enlarged permanent hearing loss. Some examples of common sounds and their decibel levels include:
- whispering: 40 db
- Circulation: 85 db
- full-volume MP3 player: 105 db
- siren: 0 db
- firearms: 150 db
Everyone is susceptible to hearing loss induced by noise. Signs of hearing loss usually appear gradually and appear as ringing in the ears (or tinnitus), the muffled sounds and difficulty hearing higher frequencies. Unfortunately, hearing loss is irreversible.
To prevent hearing loss induced by noise, reduce your exposure to harmful sounds. Use hearing protection, keep loud noises, and limit how long you are exposed to noise. For more information about noise exposure and protect your hearing, visit the OSHA website.
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