Great article in Healthy Hearing, “How Loud is Too Loud?” by Managing Editor Joy Victory.
When your hearing is subjected to loud noise—whether as a brief explosion of sound, or over a longer period of time—it can damage the delicate structures of your inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and while it’s not reversible, it is preventable.
How loud is too loud?
It all depends on three things: How loud is the sound? How far away is it? And how long were you exposed? A close-range gunblast may be brief, but the intensity and proximity are enough to cause immediate hearing damage. Likewise, while a hairdryer isn’t as loud as a gun, if you’re operating one for hours every workday at a hair salon, you can start to experience hearing loss.
Signs it is too loud where you are
If you’re at an event—for example, a concert—and you keep finding that you have to raise your voice for your friends to hear you, then it’s too loud. The same is true if you keep asking your friends to speak up. A good rule of thumb on distance: You should be able to hear your friends at three feet away, and no closer. Shouting or speaking very loudly means double the hearing damage—not only from whatever loud noise you’re enduring, but also the close-range shouting!
How to protect your hearing
So what can you do?
Apps can help you measure noise around you
Now that you’re aware what safe noise levels are for your hearing, take stock of your surroundings. Are noise levels at the office comfortable? Are you repeatedly exposed to noise that you find annoyingly loud? If so, talk to your supervisor or company personnel director. For work or home, consider downloading a sound measurement app to help you approximate the noise in your environment.
Carry ear plugs or ear muffs
Wear hearing protection. Foam ear plugs are inexpensive and easy to carry in your purse, pocket, car console or carry-on luggage. Set a good example for your family and friends by using them whenever you know you’ll be exposed to high noise levels, such as when you’re attending a music concert or enjoying an outdoor hobby like hunting or snowmobiling.
Get a hearing test
Read the full article by CLICKING HERE
We are here to help if you or a family member is having any difficulties with hearing, hearing aids, hearing aid apps or Tinnitus please give us a call at 727-323-2471 and set up an appointment.
We can help you.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing, feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471