Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Excessive noise damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. This damage results in permanent hearing loss and often tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A single shot from a shotgun, experienced at close range, may permanently damage hearing in an instant. Repeated exposures to loud noises may, over an extended period of time, present serious risks to hearing.
Research shows 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise and 30 million Americans are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day. The effects of noise on hearing are often underestimated because the damage takes place so gradually.
Engaging in common recreational activities and noisy occupations can cause noise induced hearing loss.
Recreational Activities with Dangerous Noise Levels
gun shots
fire crackers
ipods and MP3 players
dance clubs
music concerts
sporting events
home power tools
motor boats
motorcycles
snowmobiles
cars with loud music
movie theatres
video arcades
Occupations with Dangerous Noise Levels
firefighters
police officers
pilots
factory workers
farmers
construction workers
military personnel
heavy industry workers
musicians
entertainment industry professionals
When is Loud too Loud? Warning signs of the presence of hazardous noise:
You have to raise your voice to shout over the noise to be heard by someone within an arm’s length away.
You can’t hear someone three feet away.
You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy environment.
You hear ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.
You experience a plugged or muffled sensation in hearing after exposure to loud noise.
You suddenly have difficulty understanding speech after exposure to loud noise (you can hear people talking but you cannot understand them).
How To Protect Your Hearing
Limit exposure time to noisy recreational activities.
If you work in an at-risk occupation check with your employer to make sure you have adequate hearing protection according to OSHA regulations.
Wear hearing protection. Foam or silicone plugs are available at most retail stores and pharmacies. Hearing protection ear muffs can be purchased at sporting good stores or safety equipment stores. Custom made hearing protection can be ordered from an audiologist.
At home turn down the volume on the television, radio, stereos and IPods and MP3 players.
Wear ear plugs or muffs when using loud equipment (i.e. lawn mowers, power saws, leaf blowers).
Buy quieter home products such as vacuums, blenders, hair dryers, lawn mowers. Compare the dB ratings on the products, the smaller dB the better.
Reduce the number of noisy appliances running at the same time in your personal environment.
Avoid medications and chemicals that can be dangerous to your hearing.
An Ounce of Prevention Be alert to hazardous noise. Since prevention is so critical, make sure that your family (especially children), friends, and colleagues are aware of the hazards of noise. Remember: One-third of hearing loss is preventable with proper hearing protection.
