Typically, the permissible exposure level of sound is calculated for occupational settings and recreational settings. Researchers have suggested eighty-five decibels (dB) to be the highest safe exposure level up to a maximum of eight hours. The permissible level of daily noise exposure has been determined based on the total permissible ‘dose’ of sound. Permissible Levels of Daily Exposure to Noise Hence, the same amount of energy can be introduced to a person at a lower intensity, i.e., decreased volume, for a prolonged period, whereas, louder sounds can only be perceived for a short duration. Scientists have revealed that the total amount of sound energy a person can safely receive is constant. These three factors constitute the overall levels of sound energy that an individual’s ears are subjected to. Safe listening predominantly depends on three factors, i.e., intensity, duration, and frequency of one’s exposure to loud noise. Inadequate hearing protection during certain activities, such as shooting firearms or listening to loud music during adolescence, increases the possibility of communication difficulty in the later years of life. Scientists have also revealed that exposure to chronic noise in classrooms inhibits academic performance related to reading ability, short- and long-term memory, and comprehension. In younger children, noise-induced hearing loss hinders their language acquisition ability. Some of the common outcomes of hearing loss are learning disabilities, attention-seeking behaviors, psychological stress, and anxiety. Hearing loss impacts an individual’s social and educational growth. Some conditions that increase the possibility of acquiring noise-induced hearing loss include genetic predisposition, cigarette smoke, and chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes). Studies have shown that some people are at a greater risk of suffering noise-induced hearing loss than others. Hearing loss affects the overall quality of life of an individual. Scientists observed that continued exposure to this frequency of sound could lead to a steady progression of hearing loss, which may ultimately affect speech comprehension. The impact of a high-frequency range, i.e., a high-pitched sound, might not be realized immediately. These damages could cause permanent hearing loss. However, in other instances when a person is exposed to a loud, persistent, regular, or prolonged noise, it causes severe damage to sensory cells and other structures. When a person is subjected to loud music, such as in a concert, they often experience tinnitus and this condition improves as the sensory cells recover. Image Credit: WAYHOME studio/ Can Loud Sound Cause a Loss of Hearing Ability? Safe listening ensures sound-related entertaining activities without harming one’s hearing. The hearing improves as the sensory cells recover. When an individual is exposed to loud noise for a brief period, many times, they experience temporary hearing loss or a ringing sensation in the ear, which is referred to as tinnitus. This is because exposure to loud sounds for a substantial period causes fatigue of the ear’s sensory cells. Scientists have revealed that noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible.

You have pain or ringing on your ears (tinnitus) after exposure to noise.By Dr.

Speech around you sounds muffled or dull after leaving a noise area.

You can’t hear someone two feet away from you.

90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway.

100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill.

120 dB = jet plane take-off, amplified rock music at 4-6 ft., car stereo, band practice.

140 dB = firearms, air raid siren, jet engine.

The noise chart below gives an idea of average decibel levels for everyday sounds around you. Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially hazardous. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection.īoth the amount of noise and the length of time you are exposed to the noise determine its ability to damage your hearing.

According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), it resulted in an estimated $100 million in compensation costs being paid between 19. They refer to noise induced hearing loss as “a serious occupational illness”. (At 110 dB, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds). The Ontario Ministry of Labour, mandates that maximum exposure time at 85 dB is 8 hours. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur. To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness level (measured in decibels, dB) and the length of exposure to the sound. But just how loud is too loud?Įxperts agree that continued exposure to noise above 85 dB over time, will cause hearing loss. We all know that exposure to loud noises is a leading cause of hearing loss.

Safe decibel levels