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We’re all probably at least somewhat familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). They’re responsible for ensuring that workplaces across the United States are safe for workers.
What you might not know is that one of their chief mandates is to ascertain whether employees are being exposed to harmful noise. The data is startling. 9 million workers are exposed to unhealthy levels of continuous noise during the vast majority (90%) of their workweeks.
The consequences of dangerously loud noise aren’t just an occasional headache or frazzled nerves, exceedingly loud noise can cause hearing loss. This is especially true if your ears are exposed to that noise repeatedly and over time. It’s surprising what constitutes dangerous noise and how often we’re exposed to it daily.
How loud is too loud?
It is generally agreed upon that noise exceeding 85 decibels — the unit of measurement of sound — can lead to hearing loss. To put this into perspective, normal conversation averages about 60 decibels. A washing machine or dishwasher might reach 70 decibels. Your sound exposure to city traffic, when you’re inside the car, is around 85 decibels.
Anything louder than that can increase your risk of hearing damage. Time exposure is another factor to be considered, in addition to the volume. Noises exceeding 100 decibels can do more harm in a shorter period, so fifteen minutes should be your maximum exposure.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Hearing loss that is the result of exposure to too-loud noise is the second leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss or that which is the result of damage to the inner ear. Most often, this type of hearing loss happens later in life. Age is, of course, the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss.
When the ear is exposed to extremely loud noise, such as in an accident or explosion, hearing loss can happen immediately. In these cases, people affected are typically aware that hearing loss has occurred.
However, noise-induced hearing loss can happen slowly and over time. A person might expose themselves to noise exceeding 85 decibels, loud but not violently so, daily and over years or decades. In these cases, the decline in hearing is occurring, but it can take a much more subtle path. Most people are not aware when this type of hearing loss first presents, but eventually, they will lose high-frequency sounds, so that they hear people’s conversations as garbled or complain that everyone is mumbling around them.
Everyday sounds that carry risk
Hairdryer
If blow drying your hair is part of your daily routine, you might want to rethink your habit. Hairdryers routinely reach sound levels of 80 to 100 decibels, and sometimes exceed that! Also, consider that you’re using this powerful machine extremely close to your ears. If this is a daily, 20-minute habit that lasts for decades, the risk to your hearing health is very real.
You don’t have to embrace the air-dried look, though. Instead, seek models advertised as ‘quiet’ or use at a lower speed for less noise.
Lawnmower
These noisy machines are found in millions of sheds and garages around the country and used weekly in some cases. But their decibel emissions are dangerously loud. A commonplace lawn mower can reach noise levels of 90 decibels. Remember — anything exceeding 85 decibels can cause noise-induced hearing loss if exposure lasts long enough and over several years. If you think this means you have a handy excuse for getting out of mowing the lawn, think again. It’s easy to mitigate noise by wearing noise-canceling headphones or custom earplugs.
Sporting events
Some types of recreation are more recognizably dangerous for your ears. Boating, motorcycles, and snowmobiles are all very loud machines. If these are your go-to for fun, you might want to use protective ear wear. But there’s another recreational hobby that can also be dangerously loud: attending live sporting events. The roar of the crowd means a fired-up home team, and those cheers can reach levels well exceeding 100 decibels.
If you’re a once-in-a-blue-moon attendee, you’re likely in the clear. However, season ticket holders and folks who wouldn’t miss any game day should take the head. Invest in noise-canceling headphones or custom earplugs so that you can cheer on the team without losing your healthy hearing.
Protect your hearing
You’re not powerless in protecting your hearing health. Pay attention to the noise environments you are in and take steps to reduce frequency or volume if they become too loud. Even giving your ears a few minutes of peace can help reduce the risk.
We can also help you invest in protective ear wear suited for the types of work, recreation,and activities you enjoy. Everyone’s hearing needs are unique and we take that into account when we explore options with you. Get started by scheduling a hearing consultation today and prioritize your healthiest hearing.