May is “Better Hearing and Speech Month,” and in the fall we have “National Protect Your Hearing Month.” Both of these designations help remind us that good hearing is
not something we should take for granted.
The American Audiology Association (www.audiology.com) provides a helpful chart of levels of noise. Faint noises, like leaves rustling, are in the 20 decibel (dB) range. At the other end of the spectrum are “Painful & Dangerous” noises, e.g. fireworks and jackhammers, in the 130-140 dB range. Here’s a more complete listing:
20 dB leaves rustling
30 dB whispers
40 dB quiet library
50 dB moderate rainfall
60 dB normal conversation
70 dB traffic, vacuums
80 dB alarm clocks
90 dB lawnmowers, power tools, hair dryers
100 dB snowmobiles, MP3 players at full volume
110 dB concerts, car horns, sporting events
120 dB jet planes during take off
130 dB jackhammers, ambulances
140 dB fireworks, gun shots, custom car stereos at full volume
A large study released last summer reported that the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents in the U.S. has increased in recent years. However, as the list above suggests, it’s not just teenagers who are being exposed to a myriad of loud noises.
Exposure to any noise over 85 decibels for a period of 30 minutes or longer is considered dangerous and can result in permanent hearing loss. Noise at 120 dB and above can damage one’s hearing in 30 seconds or less.
I recently asked Dr. Gail Murray, Director of Audiology Services at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, for her advice. She said that she had ear plugs form- fitted for her ears and that she carries them with her to use when she finds herself exposed to unavoidable loud noise.
What have you done lately to protect your hearing?
Brad Gascoigne, M.D.
Smart Readers Health Column
