Dangerous Decibel Levels

It is important to know that exposure to very loud noises can damage your hearing; however, that is not the entire story. If you are interested in protecting your ears from noise-induced harm, you may be wondering exactly what volumes you need to be worried about. After all, exposure to loud noises is an unavoidable part of most people's lives, so how can we know when to be concerned?

Hearing health researchers have established the range which an average person can hear, from the barely audible to the uncomfortably loud. This article will look at this range in more detail, with advice on protecting yourself from dangerous noise levels. For more information about the causes of and solutions to hearing loss, call HearingPlanet's hearing aid professionals at 1-800-432-7669.

The Sound Spectrum

In the measuring system used by most audiologists, the point labeled "zero decibels" does not actually represent a lack of sound. It represents the lowest volume that the average healthy ear can perceive. As the number of decibels increases, sounds become exponentially louder. An example of this spectrum, with examples of each decibel level, is below:

• 0 dB: Lowest audible sound (Safe)
• 20 dB: A whispering voice (Safe)
• 60 dB: Normal conversation (Safe)
• 85 dB: Heavy traffic (Can become dangerous with continuous exposure)
• 95 dB: Lawn mowers (Can become dangerous with more than 2 hours of exposure)
• 110 dB: Loud concert (Can become dangerous with 1/2 hour of exposure)
• 120 dB: Ambulance siren (Can become dangerous with 15 minutes of exposure)
• Above 120 dB: Shotgun fire, jet engine (Can be dangerous at any amount of exposure)

Whenever you will be exposed to sounds above 90 decibels for more than a few moments, doctors recommend using ear plugs or taking other protective measures for your ears.

Contact a Hearing Aid Professional

Sadly, noise-induced hearing loss is usually permanent. However, it does not need to interfere with your relationships or career. To discuss affordable hearing aids that may benefit you, contact HearingPlanet today at 1-800-432-7669.