Are there noises around your home that might damage your hearing?
Noise pollution is an excess of sound in an environment that harms people’s health. Noise pollution, even at lower levels, can cause people stress, insomnia, and hearing loss! Even for people who are not bothered by the sounds about the neighborhood or home, there may be some that are slowly damaging one’s hearing. What noises can cause hearing loss, and what can one do about it?
Anything Over 70 dB
Any sound over 70dB can cause hearing loss either gradually or immediately. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a whisper ranks at about 30 dB, a refrigerator hums at 40 dB, and a conversation and air conditioner are usually around 60 dB. These everyday sounds are not harmful to one’s hearing. However, sounds over 70 dB that seem inconsequential can damage hearing, especially if one has constant exposure to it. Noises higher than 80 dB and 100 dB especially can cause more immediate problems.
Household Noises that Can Cause Hearing Loss
While you don’t have to worry about the air conditioning causing you hearing loss, you might want to limit or avoid other household sounds. Music played through earbuds or headphones is one of the most common examples. Others include food processors, hairdryers, children’s toys, and even dishwashers and clothes washers. Don’t forget about musical instruments and lawnmowers and other power tools, either!
Other Noises that Can Cause Hearing Loss
You can also risk permanent hearing loss if you go to a bar, a restaurant with loud music, or a concert. Motorcycle rallies, sports games, movie theaters, and fireworks displays can have the same effect. Some professionals require hearing protection, such as construction workers, landscape maintenance crews, musicians, car racers, and more.
Ways to Limit Loud Noise Exposure
One can limit one’s noise exposure by downloading a decibel level meter app. This way, you can monitor how much noise you can receive daily and what particular areas might be too loud. If some sounds are unavoidable or if your profession puts your hearing health at risk, Clarity Audiology has a solution for you. Ask us about our custom earplugs!
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.