Everyday Noises That Can Contribute to Hearing Loss
As we have discussed in previous blog posts, a person exposed to loud sounds can experience noise-induced hearing loss - one of the most common types of hearing loss in adults. While this kind of hearing damage can be from a single incident, it can also occur after continued exposure over time. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.” Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for us to encounter appliances, tools, accessories, and situations in our everyday life that emit noise at or above this threshold. Here are a few common culprits and their typical/average decibel levels:
City Traffic (Inside a Car) (80-85 dB)
Blender/Food Processor (88 dB)
Lawn Mower (90 dB)
Passing Train (Without Horn Blowing) (90 dB)
Hairdryer (90-100+ dB)
Motorcycle (95 dB)
Headphones (up to 105 dB)
While these numbers don’t mean you should stop using your food processor or give up your hairdryer, they can serve as a helpful reminder that we should be more mindful of all the ways we expose our ears to dangerous decibel levels each day and over time. When we take stock of all noise over 85 dB in our everyday routines, it becomes critical for us to prioritize hearing protection when we can. Activities that last more than just a few minutes, like mowing the lawn or riding a motorcycle, require consideration.
If you are interested in learning more about hearing protection options, contact us, and we can discuss the latest methods and accessories that will benefit and best suit your needs. If you are already experiencing trouble hearing, request an appointment here, and our team will reach out to schedule when you can visit one of our offices for a full hearing assessment.
Want to keep up with the latest information, news, and tips on hearing health for all ages? Be sure to check out our other blog posts and follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages.
