Noise levels at or above 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are generally considered unsafe, especially with long or repeated exposure, as they can cause permanent hearing loss.
Sound is measured in units called decibels, and A-weighted decibels (dBA) specifically measure sound as perceived by the human ear. While sounds at or below 70 dBA are typically considered safe for your hearing, prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds louder than this can pose a risk.
Understanding Unsafe Noise Levels
The critical threshold for potential hearing damage begins at 85 dBA. It's important to understand that the risk of hearing damage is not just about the loudness of a sound, but also the duration of exposure. The louder the sound, the less time it takes for damage to occur.
For instance:
- Exposure to 85 dBA can be damaging after about 8 hours.
- Moving up to 100 dBA (like a motorcycle) can cause damage in just 15 minutes.
- Sounds at 120 dBA (like a siren or a rock concert) can cause immediate damage.
Common Sound Levels and Their Risk
To better understand what 85 dBA feels like, here's a comparison of common sounds and their approximate decibel levels:
| Sound Level (dBA) | Example | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Range | ||
| 30 | Whisper, Quiet Library | Very Low |
| 50 | Refrigerator Hum, Quiet Office | Very Low |
| 60 | Normal Conversation | Very Low |
| 70 | Washing Machine, Dishwasher | Generally Safe |
| Unsafe Range | ||
| 85 | Heavy City Traffic, Noisy Restaurant | Risk of damage after 8 hours |
| 90 | Lawn Mower, Hair Dryer | Risk of damage after 2 hours |
| 100 | Motorcycle, Subway Train | Risk of damage after 15 minutes |
| 110 | Power Tools, Loud Music Concert | Risk of damage after 2 minutes |
| 120+ | Siren, Rock Concert (at front), Jet Engine | Immediate and irreversible damage possible |
Protecting Your Hearing
Given that many common activities can expose you to unsafe noise levels, taking precautions is crucial for preventing permanent hearing loss.
Here are practical steps to protect your hearing:
- Reduce Volume: Lower the volume of music, television, and other audio devices, especially when using headphones or earbuds.
- Use Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud environments, such as concerts, sporting events, noisy workplaces, or when using loud equipment like lawnmowers or power tools.
- Increase Distance: Move away from the source of loud noise whenever possible. Sound intensity decreases significantly with distance.
- Limit Exposure Time: Reduce the amount of time you spend in noisy environments. Take breaks from loud activities.
- Regular Hearing Checks: Consider getting your hearing tested regularly, especially if you frequently expose yourself to loud noises. Early detection of hearing changes can help prevent further damage.
Being aware of the noise levels around you and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss, preserving your hearing health for years to come.
