Better Hearing in the Month of May: Noise Related Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells that are found in our inner ear. Hair cells are small sensory cells that convert the sounds we hear (sound energy) into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged our hair cells cannot grow back, causing permanent hearing loss.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 dB.

• 60 dB—Normal conversations or dishwashers

• 80 dB—Alarm clocks

• 90 dB—Hair dryers, blenders, and lawnmowers

• 100 dB—MP3 players at full volume

• 110 dB—Concerts, car racing, and sporting events

• 120 dB—Jet planes at take-off

• 130 dB—Ambulances and fire engine sirens

• 140 dB—Gun shots, fireworks, and custom car stereos at full volume

Protect your hearing by…

• Wearing hearing protection when around sounds louder than 85 dB for a long period of time. There are different types of hearing protection such as foam earplugs, earmuffs and custom hearing protection devices. Contact us for custom hearing protection devices.

• Turning down the volume when listening to the radio, the TV, MP3 player, or anything through ear buds and headphones.

• Walk away from the noise.

• And, other than hearing protection, do not put anything in your ear!