Hearing loss is a common issue for many Americans, but that doesn’t make it less concerning when it happens to you. Today’s ENT centers, and audiologists, in particular, can help you cope with and treat hearing loss. But they also can help you address issues you might be experiencing to help avoid hearing loss altogether.
Noise Levels and the Effect on Your Ears
At what point does a noise damage your ears? Anything that is above 85 decibels can cause harm, but that doesn’t mean every loud noise can be damaging. It’s worth understanding what sorts of sounds can be hard on your ears so that you can make a point to avoid repeated loud noises whenever possible.
For reference, a normal conversation is typically around 60 DB, so it’s easy to gauge how much we encounter every day that can be damaging to our ears.
A clap of thunder is 120db, and fireworks can be 150 DB.
Hairdryers can be between 80-90 DB, as can blenders and food processors. These are everyday sounds you probably hear, and while they might be below the 85 DB threshold, louder appliances might cause problems with prolonged exposure.
Everyday Sounds
Here are a few everyday sounds that can be beyond 85db:
- Music (especially through headphones)
- Lawnmowers
- Vacuum
- Events and concerts
- Noisy restaurants and other indoor spaces
- Traffic and sirens
There are plenty more, of course, but this should give you an idea of how much we hear each day that can be harmful to our ears.
An audiologist at Southwest Idaho Ear Nose and Throat can help you determine the degree of hearing loss you have experienced. We can also help you establish a course of action to treat hearing loss and to avoid further issues.
Contact Southwest Idaho ENT at (208) 336-4368 today to learn more about hearing loss and how to treat or prevent it.