Protecting Your Hearing Health From Noise

We are constantly navigating different types of sound and varying noise levels. From commuting, to work environments, listening to music, and using household appliances; noise is part of everyday life. In fact, over 30 million people are regularly exposed to loud noise according to the Hearing Health Foundation. One time or consistent absorption of loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss, a medical condition that impacts nearly 1 in 8 people. Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable and practicing safety measures can significantly protect your hearing health. 

Noise Induced Hearing Loss 

Loud noise can irreparably damage hearing health. It can impair the sensory cells in the inner ear, these cells play a major role in how sound is processed. There are an estimated 16,000 sensory cells in each cochlea and these cells are responsible for receiving incoming soundwaves and converting them into electrical signals. These signals get sent to the brain, via the auditory nerve, and the brain continues processing them. This includes assigning meaning to these signals which is how we are able to understand what we hear. 

Loud noise can desensitize sensory cells which weakens them and reduces their capacity to translate soundwaves for the brain. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information which forces the brain (and people experiencing hearing loss) to work harder to detect and process sound. This results in noise induced hearing loss which is permanent because damage to the sensory cells cannot be repaired. Unlike other types of cells we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate and there are no interventions that can repair them. Though noise induced hearing loss is permanent, that does not mean it cannot be prevented!  

Everyday Sources of Loud Noise

There are many types of sounds and ways we are exposed to excessive noise. Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and according to experts, sound above 85dB is dangerous for hearing health. For perspective, this is equivalent to busy city traffic, a hair dryer, or a busy restaurant during peak hours. This highlights that you can easily be in an environment with noise levels that are potentially hazardous. 

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following types of sound can damage hearing health within these timeframes of exposure: 

• Gas-powered lawn equipment: 2 hours
• Motorcycles: 50 minutes
• Subways, car horns, sports events: 15 minutes
• Personal audio devices set at maximum volume, loud music venues: 5 minutes
• Barking or yelling in ear: 2 minutes
• Standing close to sirens: less than two minutes
• Fireworks: less than two minutes

This highlights that there are everyday noises and activities that can impact hearing health, emphasizing the importance of practicing safety measures. 

Tips to Protect Your Hearing Health

Noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable. Practicing the following strategies can help you protect your hearing health: 

• Wear hearing protection: this includes items like earplugs, over the ear headphones, earmuffs etc. which create a physical barrier for the ears. This blocks sound, reducing the amount of noise you absorb. It is important to carry hearing protection if you plan on moving through noisier spaces. If you work in an environment that is noisy, be sure to talk to your employer about providing hearing protection. 

• Measure noise levels: there are various apps that you can download to measure the noise levels in your environment as well as the noise levels produced by your devices. This is helpful because you can be aware of noise as well as adjust your exposure time so that you are not putting your hearing health at risk. 

• Practice 50-60% rule: this rule of thumb advocates for using 50-60% of the total volume on any given device (your phone, TV, laptop, speaker etc.). This allows you to listen to audio safely and is easy to remember! 

• Reduce exposure: there are additional ways you can reduce your exposure to loud noise. This includes avoiding environments that are noisy when you can (opting for quieter restaurants and bars for example), taking alternate routes to avoid constructions sites and traffic, driving with the window rolled up, avoiding sitting next to sources of loud noise when you are out (speakers, window, door etc.), etc. 

• Test hearing regularly: another great safety measure is having your hearing tested regularly which allows you to track your hearing health. 

Practicing these tips can protect your hearing and prevent noise induced hearing loss. Contact us today to learn more about the resources available to support your hearing health.