Hearing loss is a growing health concern that often goes unnoticed. Many of us are unaware that exposure to loud noises can permanently harm our hearing. In today’s increasingly noisy world, being mindful of sound levels and their potential risks is essential. Learning about the decibel thresholds that can cause damage is the first step toward preserving our hearing. 

Understanding Decibels 

Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of sound. The scale is logarithmic, meaning each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold jump in intensity. For instance, a sound at 100 dB is ten times louder than one at 90 dB. While normal hearing starts around 0 dB, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage. Recognizing the sound levels we encounter daily can help us take action to protect our ears. 

Common Sounds and Their Intensity 

Everyday activities expose us to a wide range of sound levels. Here are a few examples to illustrate the variation in noise intensity: 

• Normal conversation: 60–70 dB 
• Traffic noise: 70–85 dB 
• Vacuum cleaner: 70–85 dB 
• Lawn mower: 85–90 dB 
• Hair dryer: 85–90 dB 
• Motorcycle: 90–100 dB 
• Concert or nightclub music: 100–120 dB 
• Fireworks: 120–150 dB 
• Jet engine at close range: 130–140 dB 
• Gunshot: 140–170 dB 

Sounds above 85 dB can harm hearing if the exposure lasts too long. The louder the noise, the shorter the safe exposure time. For instance, 100 dB noise can cause permanent damage in just 15 minutes, while a single exposure to sounds above 140 dB, like a gunshot, can result in immediate hearing loss. 

Long-Term Exposure Risks 

Prolonged exposure to loud environments is a leading cause of hearing damage. For example: 

• Continuous exposure to 85 dB noise, such as from traffic or household appliances, may lead to hearing loss after about 8 hours. 
• At 100 dB, such as in a concert setting, hearing damage can occur after just 15 minutes. 
• Extremely loud sounds above 120 dB, like fireworks or gunfire, pose an immediate risk, even with brief exposure. 

People working in noisy environments, such as construction sites or factories, are at greater risk. Similarly, regular attendees of concerts or those using headphones at high volumes are often unknowingly damaging their hearing over time. 

Protecting Your Hearing 

Here are some practical steps to minimize the risk of hearing loss: 

1. Wear ear protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, like concerts or construction sites, to reduce sound intensity. 
2. Control the volume: Keep headphone or speaker volumes at safe levels. A good rule of thumb is the 60/60 rule—limit listening to 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. 
3. Take breaks: Step away from noisy environments periodically to give your ears a chance to recover. 
4. Be noise-aware: Avoid prolonged stays in high-noise areas and reduce exposure to loud sounds whenever possible. 
5. Regular checkups: If you’re often in noisy surroundings, schedule hearing tests to catch early signs of damage and take corrective measures. 

Final Thoughts 

Protecting your hearing is vital in a world filled with noise. While modern life makes exposure to loud sounds unavoidable, small changes—like using ear protection, lowering the volume, and allowing your ears to rest—can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss. By safeguarding your hearing today, you ensure the ability to enjoy the sounds of life for years to come. 

Syahirah, Senior Audiologist