Everyday Noises that Could Cause Hearing Loss

We live in a noisy world and it only seems like it keeps getting louder. In part this is due to globalization and advancements in technology. It could also be the increased ease and access to internet technology. While it’s amazing to simply ask a question to have it answered immediately via the internet, there is something lost in the pursuit of knowledge. Whatever the case, it seems these days it is harder to find a moment and place of true quiet. Hearing loss is a real concern these days. While many believe it to be a condition primarily affecting older adults, in truth it can affect anyone of any age. While many understand that rock concerts and lawn mowers can damage your hearing there are so many other sources a lot of us just don’t consider. Here are just a few:

A night at the movies

There really is nothing that compares to a night at the movies if you are a true cinephile. You can try to replicate the experience at home, but few can afford the space for speakers to truly replicate that fully immersive film experience. However, next time you go to the movies take into account that the volume can far surpass safe listening levels. While the official limit of noise in movie theaters cuts off at 85 dBA, in many instances movies have been recorded exceeding 95 dBA for an extended amount of time. To put this in perspective, the volume of sound is measured in decibels. Any sound which we are exposed to at 85 dBA or higher can cause irreversible hearing loss. At two to three hours 85 dBA will not cause damage. It takes 8 hours for damage to occur at 85 dBA. However, as the decibels rise the time it takes for damage to occur becomes shorter. Every three decibel increases the time in half. At 88 dBA it only takes 4 hours and at 95 dBA it takes under an hour. Next time you visit the theaters, come prepared with hearing protection.

Hitting the road on a chopper

For those who love the feeling of taking to the road on a motorcycle, you know there is already some level of risk involved. The chance of death on a chopper is greatly increased. However, the thrill may seem worth it to you. If you are looking for risks and thrills, your hearing is not one worth negotiating. Registering between 80 and 100 decibels, the roar of a motorcycle engine can damage your hearing permanently if hearing protection is not used.

Maxing out your headphones

This is one of the most common sources of noise induced hearing and almost everyone of all age groups use them. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly half of all people between 12 and 35 years old might be exposed to unsafe levels of sound from their headphones or personal audio devices. Not only do they have the potential to blast sound directly into your ear canal at 94 to 110 dBA but all too often people listen for hours on end. To combat this, make sure you don’t turn your headphones up louder than 60 percent of the total volume. In addition, make sure to take listening breaks that will give your inner ear a chance to rest and recover from the music.

Hearing the shrill of a siren

For those of us in urban areas or in daily traffic, we are no stranger to the sound of emergency sirens. They alert pedestrians and other vehicles to move out of the way so they can move as fast as possible to an emergency whether it be health related, law enforcement or fire. There is a reason you probably plugged up your ears the last time one passed you. Emergency sirens can produce levels as high to 110 and 129 decibels. This is one reason that first responders are among one of the highest jobs for hearing damage.

Going to a fireworks display

Fireworks can be inspiring not only for the light show but their impressive boom reaching levels between 140 to 160 decibels. If you don’t take the proper precautions this can create hearing damage in a second. Stand far away from the boom when you can. If you feel you’ve sustained hearing damage, it’s important not to ignore it. Schedule a hearing exam with us today. We can diagnose a hearing issue and help find the best solution for you.