$Unique_ID{BRK02032}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Noise Levels and How to Reduce Hearing Loss}
$Subject{decibels earplugs ear hearing loss hearing damage deafness noise}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Inner Ear*0003301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Noise Levels and How to Reduce Hearing Loss


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QUESTION:  I play in a rock band, and know we put out a lot of sound.
Although the speakers are all aimed at the audience, I think I am getting a
large dose as well.  I am wondering if the ear plugs I see in some drug stores
could be of any help?  Do they offer real protection?  The other guys think I
am nuts, so I thought I would check it out with you.

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ANSWER:  You are not "nuts," but you certainly could be at risk to lose your
hearing, in a manner that can't be reversed once the damage is done.  Your
ears can resist a certain amount of sound before damage begins.  Anything over
80 decibels is potentially dangerous.  A level of 90 decibels (the level of
noise made by a lawn mower) will begin to harm your hearing after about 8
hours.  For each increase of 5 decibels, that time is cut in half, so that by
the time you reach the noise level of a rock concert (about 110 decibels) it
takes but a 1/2 hour to provoke injury.  Yes, the earplugs can help, but you
will need earplugs with a rating of 30 decibels to get the protection you
need.  And you can get free pair of those by writing to the "Hearing is
Priceless" Program, House Ear Institute, 2100 West 3rd Street, Fifth Floor,
Los Angeles, CA 90057.

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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.