Continued exposure to noise over 85 decibels (about the level of city traffic) will cause damage to hearing. In general, the louder the sound, the less time it will take for damage to occur. How do you know if a noise is loud enough to be harmful to your hearing? You could buy a sound level meter and measure the noise (Radio Shack has relatively inexpensive meters). However, a simple rule of thumb is that if you have to shout in order to be heard at just three feet away, the background noise is too loud and may be damaging your hearing. Also, if you experience any ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after exposure to the noise, the noise is too loud. Remember, even the sounds that we like, if they are too loud, can be damaging to our hearing.
The Center for Hearing and Communication encourages everyone to practice sound judgment: if it sounds too loud, it probably is.
Click here to learn more about noise and hearing protection.
Be well,
Amy Boyle
Director, Public Education
Center for Hearing and Communication
