The Importance of Safe Decibel Levels
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is another way to describe permanent hearing loss created from exposure to loud noise. It is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. I’m Dr. Amy, a Doctor of Audiology and expert on hearing health. As an audiologist, I often see patients with a noise exposure history, and their audiograms tell their stories. NIHL can occur gradually over time or suddenly after a single exposure to loud noise. Fortunately, we can limit or moderate our noise exposure. Let’s discuss dB safe levels, loud sounds, and hearing protection.
Do you have hearing difficulty or tinnitus? See a doctor of hearing healthcare.
Why is it essential to think about safe listening levels?
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by inner ear or auditory nerve damage. This type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be restored; it can only be treated with intervention, such as hearing aids. As with most medical conditions, genetics and environment both play a part. We cannot change our genetics, but we can control our environment.
As sound waves travel into the ear canal to the inner ear, sound intensity can cause damage to the delicate structures in the inner ear. Repeated exposure over time or even one loud impulse sound (e.g., from a gun blast without hearing protection) can create immediate and irreversible damage to your hearing.
Do you go to the gun range? Make sure to protect your ears.
Read more about the best in ear shooting protection here.
Gen Z and Millenials are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss due to their headphones use. And it’s not so much using the headphones but the volume level that you listen to your music.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The louder the sound, the higher the dB level. Exposure to noise above 85 dBA can cause NIHL, so limiting your exposure is essential. For reference, 85 dB is about as loud as city traffic noise from inside a car. For every increase of 3 dB, there is a doubling in sound intensity. Noise above 100 dBA can cause damage to your hearing within 15 minutes. Here are some examples of sounds and how long you can listen before damage occurs.
How long and how often you are exposed to noise also plays a role in whether or not you develop NIHL. The louder the noise and the longer your exposure, the greater your risk of developing NIHL.
You might not think loud noises at work could damage your hearing, but it has a cumulative effect. NIHL is commonly caused by loud occupational noise exposure and is one of the most common work-related disabilities in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that about an estimated 22 million Americans are exposed to harmful noise levels at work each year. And that’s just at the job.
What are the symptoms of NIHL?
Symptoms of NIHL include:
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Decreased ability to hear high-pitched sounds
It becomes much harder to understand in background noise as a result. NIHL can make it hard to understand speech and significantly impact your quality of life, so it is best to take note of the risks and take action to protect your hearing. It’s much easier to prevent noise damage than it is to try to correct it.
Are you having ringing in the ears?
Read more about tips for tinnitus relief
Protect your hearing from NIHL by following these tips:
Looking for a stylish way to protect your hearing?
How to Know Loud Noise vs. Safe Decibel Levels
OSHA requires hearing protection when noise levels reach 85 dBA. However, some research shows that 80 dBA is a better cut-off for noise levels. So how can you know how loud your noise exposure is? Here are some great apps you can download for free:
NIOSH SLM app – this one works well for iPhone and turns your iPhone into a sound level meter to check your sound levels.
Decibel Pro – this app works for iPhone and Android to measure environmental noise levels. This way, you can gauge your noise and decibel levels and prevent hearing damage.
Use Your Technology to Protect Your Hearing
In the settings on your phone, you can limit how loud the volume gets. To prevent noise damage, keep the volume at 60-70% of the maximum volume. If you have an iPhone, it can keep track of your volume over the week and send you alerts if you’re exceeding a safe listening volume.
Conclusion:
Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent condition caused by exposure to loud noise over time. Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). NIHL can have a significant impact on quality of life, so it is essential to protect your hearing, for example, by wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises, taking breaks from noisy activities, and moving away from sources of loud noise when possible. If you are exposed to loud noises for long periods, wear proper protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.
