$Unique_ID{BRK00748}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is it True That Loud Noises Can Damage Hearing?}
$Subject{ears loud noise hearing community social Sense senses ear hear
decibels dB}
$Volume{Q-21}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it True That Loud Noises Can Damage Hearing?


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QUESTION:  Is it true that loud noises can damage my hearing?  Can you tell me
what type of sound can do this, and how loud it must be before I am in any
danger?  This is not one of my senses that I wish to lose if I can something
to prevent it.

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ANSWER:  There is no question that continual and repeated exposure to loud
sounds can seriously and permanently damage your hearing.  About 1 out of
every 10 Americans has some hearing loss that can affect their ability to
understand the spoken word, and in many cases the cause has been excessive
exposure to loud sounds and noise.  It isn't the type of sound that is
important; loud music and noise in the work place are equally damaging, but it
is the intensity or force of the sound that makes the difference.  The
intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB), and to give you some idea of
the decibel ratings of some common circumstances, take a look at these
figures.  A whispered word may equal as much as 30 dB, while normal
conversation will generate 60 dB.  Truck traffic and shop tools produce about
90 dB, but a loud rock concert and auto horn or sandblasting operation create
levels as highs as 115 dB.  When you get up to 140 dB, the amount of sound
produced by a gun blast or a jet engine, the sound is both painful and even a
brief exposure may injure your hearing, even if but for a short time.  The
amount time that you are exposed to the sound is important too; obviously the
longer the exposure period, the greater the possibility of harm.  Continuous
noise over the level of 85 dB will cause a gradual loss of hearing in most
individuals and the government now requires hearing protectors for workers who
must remain in an area where the sound averages more than 90dB during an 8
hour day.  Hearing protectors come in two main forms, ear plugs and earmuffs.
When properly fitted they can reduce the sound levels from 15 to 30 dB.  Using
both together would add another 10 to 15dB of protection.  It is important to
realize that once your hearing has been damaged by excessive noise, there is
no medical treatment that can restore it, so prevention now is your best bet
to conserve the hearing levels you now enjoy.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.