Noise is an important health issue faced by the world today.1 Many sounds can cause noise-induced hearing loss and possible dental health problems. Concerts, hairdryers, fireworks, alarm clocks and other sounds can produce noise that is damaging to our ears.2
Loud surroundings can also cause us to grind, gnash or clench our teeth. Over 50% of people between the ages of 12 and 35 listen to music on devices that are too loud.1 In fact, over a billion people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe volumes on devices.2
It’s important to understand how noise affects us.
This can prevent or reduce the loss of hearing, pain, discomfort or ringing in the ears. Hearing loss can result from a single loud sound near your ear or from damage caused by repeated exposures. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the louder the dB, the more harm it can do to your ears.
Over time, these noises can cause hearing loss:
- Listening to music from personal devices at a 70 or higher dB.
When the volume is turned all the way up, the dB is around 105-110.3 - Attending loud places with a dB around 105-110 dB.
This includes rock concerts, nightclubs and bars. Hearing damage is possible within 5 minutes.3 - Using gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
The dB can cause hearing damage after two hours of exposure.3 - Children’s toys that have a dB over 75.
The Sight and Hearing Association provides a list of noisy toys you should be aware of.
Helpful ways to protect your ears
To protect your hearing, wear earplugs when it’s loud. If you need to shout to be heard, that’s a good indication the noise level is too high. On personal listening devices, you should keep the volume at 60% or lower. If you are going to the dentist, it’s important to be aware that some tools in the office operate at a high dB. You can wear noise cancelling headphones to reduce the noise and maybe your stress level as well.
Remember to get your hearing checked regularly with an audiologist who can evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss.
Read more about this and other important topics in the May UCD Wellness Connection Newsletter below.
Sources
[1] May is Better Hearing and Speech Month; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2023. Retrieved April 2024.
[2] May is Better Hearing Month; American Academy of Audiology; 2024. Retrieved April 2024.
[3] What Noises Cause Hearing Loss?; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2022. Retrieved April 2024.
