Know the Noise that Surrounds You
Everyday Noise Levels
40 dBA
Library, quiet residential area
50 dBA
Refrigerator, electric toothbrush, large office
60 dBA
Washing machine, electric shaver, dishwasher
70 dBA
Television, freeway traffic, vacuum cleaner
80 dBA
Doorbell, ringing telephone, whistling kettle, food processor
95 dBA
Electric drill, motorcyle
110 dBA
Car horn, leaf blower, video arcade, rock concert, baby crying
120-125 dBA
Ambulance siren, chain saw
130 dBA
Jackhammer, stock car races, percussion section at symphony
150 dBA
Firecracker, jet engine taking off, artillery fire at 500 feet
155-160 dBA
Cap gun, balloon popping
170 dBA
Shotgun
180 dBA
Rocket launching
dBA=decibels
September 2003 — How aware are you of the sounds around you every day? From the simple tune of a bird chirping outside your bedroom window to the chorus of cars, motorcycles and trucks rushing along a major highway, sound is often something we ignore.
Unfortunately, continued exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss and other health complications. Among the 28 million people with impaired hearing in the United States, noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. And it's not just the elderly: Hearing loss is occurring at increasingly younger ages.
The Nuisance of Noise
Exposure to loud and unwanted sound can cause sleep disturbance, elevations in blood pressure and gastrointestinal upset. It affects mental health, too, increasing anxiety and stress levels.
How loud is too loud? To answer this question, consider the level of intensity (measured in decibels, or dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. Generally speaking, the louder the sound, the less time it takes to affect your hearing. Continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss over time, while noise levels above 140 dBA can cause damage after just one exposure. A rule of thumb: You're probably exposing yourself to damaging noise if you have to shout to be heard three feet away.
"Just as one loud sound can hurt your hearing, continued exposure to certain levels of noise has an additive effect and can lead to hearing loss," says Myles K. Krieger, MD, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Hospital West.
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs gradually, without pain, and is often not noticeable until it's too late. However, certain early warning signs may exist, such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), muffled sounds, difficulty hearing quiet sounds and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.
Silence the Sound
Loud activities can put your hearing at risk, so you should limit your exposure to these activities and use hearing protection whenever possible. Wear earplugs when exposed to loud noises — even plug your ears with your fingers when you're bombarded with unexpected, loud noises.
Keep in mind that turning down the volume of appliances, electronics and toys not only protects your hearing, but also minimizes "toxic noise," the term developed by the National Campaign for Hearing Health to describe harmful noises in our everyday environment.
If you suspect hearing loss, speak to your physician. For referral to a physician, please call the Memorial Healthcare System Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.