To Hear for Life, Listen with Care: World Health Org Announces International Safe Listening Standards

Do you have hearing loss caused by noise? You might and not even know it. Loud noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, affecting people of all ages. Despite the popular misconception that hearing loss is a condition which only affects the elderly, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people globally, ages 12-35, are at increased risk of developing noise induced hearing loss. This is in part due to noise exposure in workplaces where extended shifts of 8 hours or more expose to sound over a long time. However, just as much or more noise induce hearing loss occurs in loud noise in public venues, such as night clubs, concerts, performances and sporting events – as well as personal listening devices. WHO is excited to address this by introducing established international standards for safe listening and events.

What are Safe Listening Standards

The loudness or intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dBA). Sounds which surpass 85 dBA can damage hearing after 8 hours of constant exposure. However, as the decibels rise, the time it takes for hearing loss to occur quickly shrinks. At 95 dBA, it take under an hour for damage to occur and at 105 dBA, damage can occur in 15 minuets or less!  Music venues and events are common places that expose people to loud noise for hours on end. These venues can reach decibel levels as inside and out as loud as 100 dBA or more- putting every person present at risk for permanent hearing loss. WHO identified standards for venues and events, in order to reduce the risk of hazardous levels of noise. These six standards are:

1. A maximum average sound level of 100 decibels.
2. Live monitoring and recording of sound levels using calibrated equipment by designated staff.
3. Optimizing venue acoustics and sound systems to ensure enjoyable sound quality and safe listening.
4. Having an availability of personal hearing protection for people to use (with instructions).
5. Access to quiet zones for people to rest their ears and decrease the risk of hearing damage.
6. Providing training and information to staff.

Established in 2015, WHO continues to champion and recommend these standards to music and entertainment venues on an individual and instutional level worldwide as part of WHO’s Make Listening Safe campaign. WHO hopes that as more venues across the world adopt these standards, the world toll of noise induced hearing loss can be minimized?

Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss

We collect sound with our ears, but comprehension of speech and sound occurs in our brain. To send sound to our brain, sounds must be sent through the eardrum, through tiny bones called ossicles, and to the cochlea, which houses tiny hair-like cells, called stereocilia, encased in fluid. The stereocilia receive audio vibrations, via the fluid which surrounds them and transforms the waves into electrical impulses which are received and interpreted by the brain. When sounds surpass safe listening levels the vibrations over time become severe enough to shatter the stereocilia, damaging or destroying them. As these hair cells become damaged, they can no longer deliver certain sounds to the brain, leaving people affected with lasting irreversible hearing damage.

Protecting Your Hearing

Because noise induced hearing loss is permanent it’s important to be aware of noise levels in the places and situations you commonly find yourself in. One of the best strategies for protecting your hearing in entertainment venues is to wear hearing protection. Most hearing protection can limit decibel levels by 15 -33 dBA depending on the model. When worn correctly, earplugs can limit the decibels of a music venue of 100 dBA to anywhere between 85- 67 dBA, which would be safe for a few hours.

It’s also important to take listening breaks. Because the length of exposure is just as important to note as the level of the decibels, taking breaks when listening can make a big difference. Step out every hour or so to somewhere quieter.

Test Your Hearing

If you suspect that you may have hearing loss, it’s important to have your hearing tested. While there is no way to reverse hearing loss, it can be treated, making it easier to connect to others and be more aware of the world around you. Schedule a hearing exam with us today