While some forms of hearing loss are hereditary or age related and cannot be prevented, hearing loss from noise exposure is preventable.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by overexposure to loud sounds. In some cases, the damage is only temporary. But repeated exposure to excessive noise for long periods of time can cause permanent damage.
Sounds with levels below 70 dBA pose no known risk of hearing loss, no matter how long you listen. This is roughly what you would hear if you were driving alone at highway speeds in a family car, with the windows up and the radio off.
When sound levels increase, the daily listening time becomes an important risk factor for hearing loss. In general, the louder the sound, the less time it takes to pose risks to your hearing.
It’s been found that a variety of everyday activities can cause exposure to sound levels above 85 dBA. A few examples are:
- listening to music through headphones or earbuds
- attending a concert
- mowing the lawn
- using a table saw
- driving a car on the highway with the windows open
- playing a musical instrument
- participating as a member of a band or orchestra
All of these activities pose a potential risk of a gradual, noise-induced hearing loss, depending on:
- the actual sound levels you are exposed to
- how long you are exposed
But there’s more to the story. Exposure to noise adds up. So to get a sense of the risk, you have to consider all of the noise you are exposed to on a given day.
Let’s say you listen to your personal stereo system for 1 hour during the day at 93 dBA. Then later that night, without hearing protectors you spend just 10 minutes using a table saw at 100 dBA. Each activity, on its own, is not quite enough to cause a significant risk of a gradual, permanent noise-induced hearing loss, but on the same day, your total exposure crosses that threshold.
If you use firearms regularly for hunting or target practice, without the appropriate hearing protection, you are at increased risk for permanent hearing loss, whether gradual or immediate. An intense sound close to the ear from a rifle, cap gun, or firecracker, can cause immediate and severe hearing loss that may be permanent. If you are exposed to a sound like this, stay in a relatively quiet place for 24 hours to rest your ears.
Reduce your risk
Take the following steps to protect your hearing:
- Limit the amount of time you spend on activities that are extremely noisy.
- Keep your car and home audio at enjoyable but safe levels.
- Wear hearing protection, like earplugs or earmuffs, when you’re at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. The protection device should be as well fitted as possible. See an audiologist if you need help with this.
- Schedule some quiet time if you experience temporary hearing loss or tinnitus after work or other activities. Give your ears a chance to recover fully.
- Avoid buying children’s toys that produce high sound levels. Look for toys that have volume-control features or an on-off switch so that sound can be kept low or turned off. Remember, children may hold toys closer to their ears than adults.
Prevention is the only way to protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss. There is no way to know how sensitive your ears are to damage from sounds, until the damage is done.