The world is loud! Many sounds are safe, but others can damage your hearing. This type of damage is called noise-induced hearing loss. Although there are good products such as lucid which can aid in case of hearing loss, still it is always better to take care of your ear. You can lose some of your hearing due to the loud sounds you hear at home, at school, and almost anywhere else. Hearing loss caused by noise can start at any age. Damage can accumulate over time. Once you lose your hearing, even partially, you can no longer regain it.
Sounds can cause harm when they are loud and last a while. For example, music played through your headphones, sporting events, and concerts can be loud enough to damage your hearing in just a few minutes. There are many cases people have lost their hearing in the above-stated places. To know in detail you can click to investigate.
Sounds can also cause damage when they are extremely loud even when they last for a short time, such as fireworks, a plane taking off, or a gunshot. The louder the sound, the faster it can damage your hearing.
There is good news: you can prevent noise-induced hearing loss!
- Down the volume. Always listen to safe levels. Sounds at 70 dBA or less are generally considered safe.
- Stay away from the noise. Sounds get lower as you move away from the source.
- Wear ear protectors, whether they are earplugs or earmuffs.
How does noise damage your hearing?
The cells within the ear that respond to sound are called hair cells. Above each hair cell is a small bundle of stereocilia, which move from side to side with sound vibrations. Over time, loud sounds can damage these bundles of hair cells. When that happens, hair cells cannot send information about sounds to the brain. In humans, hair cell bundles cannot be repaired or replaced, so this damage leads to permanent hearing loss.
When Is The Sound Too Loud?
Sound is measured in units called decibels (dB), just as height is measured in feet or inches. Since people cannot hear all frequencies or tones of sound, we often use A-weighted decibels (dBA) to describe the intensity of sound based on what human ears can actually hear.
Sounds of 85 dBA or more can damage your hearing, depending on how long they last. The louder the sound, the faster it will be damaged. For example, cinemas can be very noisy, with a level of up to 104 dBA. When the sounds are this loud, you could put your hearing at risk in less than 14 minutes!
Types Of Ear Protectors
When you can’t turn down the volume or get far enough away from loud sounds, you can wear ear protectors to keep your hearing healthy. The best type of ear protectors is the one you like and will use.
Most people wear earplugs, which are placed inside the ear, or earmuffs with hearing protection, which are put over the ears. You can buy earplugs or ears with hearing protection in stores or online. Ear protectors can be inexpensive, like foam earplugs, or they can cost more, like earmuffs or custom earplugs.
Loud noises are one of the most common causes of hearing loss. By practicing these healthy habits now, you can help protect your wonderful sense of hearing for decades to come!