Know the Power of Sound
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Each decibel is one tenth of a bel, which is a unit that measures the intensity of sound. For every six decibels, the intensity of the sound doubles. It is important to know the approximate intensity of sound around you to protect your hearing. At 90 dB of uninterrupted sound, the limit of safe noise exposure is eight hours. For each six dB increase of uninterrupted sound thereafter, the limit of safe exposure is reduced by half.
Visit http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/soundPower.cfm to use the Interactive Loudness Scale.
dB30: Whispering a secret to your best friend can register at 30 decibels.
dB50: A steady summer rain measures 50 decibels.
dB70: Rush hour traffic can reach 70 decibels in intensity.
dB85: Prolonged exposure to noises above 85 decibels can damage hearing – wear ear plugs.
dB90: Subway trains emit noise in the range of 90 decibels.
dB110: Power saws and many other power tools operate at a noise level of 110 decibels.
dB130: Wear your ear plugs at the track! Race car noise can exceed 130 decibels.
dB150: Celebratory fireworks can reach decibel levels up to 150.
dB170: At 170 decibels, a shot gun blast can damage unprotected ears.
Other Online Resources
— Causes and types of hearing loss
Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
— Hearing Loss Example
Visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
— Hearing Review © 2010 Allied Media
Recreational Noise and Its Potential Risk to Hearing
When is Noise Dangerous?
Noise is all around us, and can painlessly and silently steal our hearing. Noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss and can result in difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Noise can affect our ability to concentrate and learn and can result in poor social and emotional behaviors (i.e., anger, depression, anxiety).
- 30 million Americans are exposed daily to dangerous noise levels.
- Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss, especially in young people.
- Health statistics suggest a trend of noise-induced hearing loss occuring at younger ages.
- Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, permanent, and preventable.
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs gradually and without pain. Noise may damage hearing if you have to shout over it to make yourself heard. Experts agree that continued exposure to noise of 85 decibels or louder, over time, will eventually harm hearing. In general, the louder the sound, the less time required before hearing is lost.
Noise is all around us at home. Normal household products contribue to the total noise to which we are exposed. Loud home appliances, toys, televisions, and sound systems can cause hearing loss and pose a risk for stress-related health problems.
Things you can do:
- Turn down the volume on the television and radio
- Wear hearing protection (ear plugs or muffs) when using loud equipment like lawnmowers
- Buy quieter products (often printed in “dB’s” on the packaging)
- Limit the number of noisy appliances run in the kitchen at the same time
Toys
Many toys can be dangerously loud. Infants or young children have shorter arms than adults and therefore usually listen to toys closer to their small, sensitive ears. Noise-induced hearing loss among children is a serious public concern and can delay or reduce speech and language development and result in learning, social, and/or emotional disabilities. Hearing loss affects almost 13 out of every 1,000 children under age 18, some resulting from exposure to noise.
Personal Audio Devices
Personal audio devices can play music well above the maximum safety limits of 85 decibels for extended periods of time. Personal audio devices that are not used safely pose a threat to the hearing of people of all ages, and, once ears are damaged, they do not heal. It is critical that people using these devices learn safe listening habits.
How to enjoy these devices safely:
- Lower the volume
- Limit listening time
Audiologists and hearing scientists recommend that you give your ears a break from continuous listening and that you turn down the volume. Some personal audio devices have features or software that will allow you to limit the maximum volume or power that the device can provide. Use these features or software for safer listening.
If you notice ringing in your ears, notice that speech sounds muffled or notice any other changes in hearing after you have used a personal audio player, discontinue its use and have your hearing checked by a qualified audiologist.
