So… how loud is too loud?

Did you know that the human ear can hear over 20,000 different frequencies! These range in pitch and volume from the faintest high pitch buzz of a mosquito to the loudest rock concert you’ve ever heard. 

In terms of volume, this means the human ear can hear sounds from 0 decibels (dB) to over 140dB and everything in between. That’s like hearing a pin drop (10dB) or rustling leaves (10-20dB), all the way up to a motorcycle (100dB) or a jet engine (140dB).

So how loud is too loud?

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. The World Health Organization reports nearly 24% of adults (1 out of 4) between the ages of 20 to 69 have this kind of hearing loss. And it all comes down to how loud and for how long a person is exposed to noise. 

According to the Canadian Hearing Society and the new Ontario Works standards, any sound over 85dB for an extended period of time unprotected is NOT safe. If you’ve worked in noise around or over these levels causing damage to your ears, you may be eligible for WSIB covered hearing aids. 

The louder the sound gets, the less time you have before damage to your hearing is inevitable. 

Damage to your ears can occur at:

• 75dB of continual exposure for 24 hours or more
• 85dB for 8 hours or more
• 90dB for 2 hours
• 95dB for 1 hour or more
• 100dB for 15 min or more
• 105dB for 5 min or more
• Over 130 can cause immediate damage…. 
• 160dB (like standing beside a cannon or a rocket when it goes off) would rupture your eardrum… so you should probably should avoid those situations.

As we saw in the chart above, noises at damaging volume levels are not just in factories or at concerts. Damaging volume levels include listening to music loudly using headphones, mowing the lawn, using power tools, driving your car with the windows down at highway speeds, or even playing certain instruments or performing in a band.

Remember although these can all pose a potential risk, it depends on how loud and for how long you’re exposed on a given day. 

This means that we have to look at the day in total, not just one incident of loud noise. For example, if you work with power-tools for 10 minutes at 100dB and then listened to music with headphones for 1 hour at 90dB. On their own, neither is enough of a significant risk for damaging your ears. But, on the same day, you’re getting close to the limit for daily exposure. 

How to reduce your risk and protect your ears 

Although the information above may seem daunting, this does not mean these activities must be avoided all together. Knowing how to protect your hearing from noise that can cause hearing loss can allow you to enjoy these activities and put your mind at ease.

Tips to protect your hearing:

• Limit the amount of time you spend doing certain activities where the noise is notably loud. 
• Reduce your home and car audio to safer levels; a good rule of thumb is under 60% of the total volume.
• Wear hearing protection when you’re in noisy environments that can’t be avoided.
  • For noise around the house and yard, the little orange earplugs from the hardware store will work just fine.
  • Custom ear and filtered hearing protection can be purchased at your local hearing clinics… ask us about ours!
  • It is now law, for all workplaces to post an advisory where the noise level is over 85dB. Ask your Health and Safety representative if you’re concerned or have questions about your workplace. 
• Take some quiet time to rest your ears after a noisy day. Give your ears a chance to recover.
• Avoid buying children’s toys that produce high levels of sound or don’t have a volume control. Remember children may hold these things closer to their ears than adults.

To make it simple just remember D.R.U.M.

Dial back your volume to 60% or less

Reduce your exposure to loud sounds

Use hearing protection whenever possible

Make an appointment with your hearing specialist to have your hearing tested.

For more information on how to protect your hearing or to book a test, call us today!

705-749-0707