Noise induced hearing loss is a permanent hearing impairment resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise.  Excessive noise exposure is the second common cause of hearing loss, after age-related loss.  Of the 28 million Americans with hearing loss, 10 million have loss caused or further reduced by noise exposure (work or recreational).  Noise induced hearing loss can happen at any age.  Recent studies have demonstrated nearly 1/3 of college students of some degree of high frequency hearing loss. 

What levels are considered harmful?

Any sound that’s loud enough and lasts long enough can lead to hearing loss. An easy way tell if noise may be potentially harmful is to pay attention to warning signs.

• A sound may be harmful if:
• You have difficulty talking or hearing others talk over the sound
• The sound makes your ears hurt
• Your ears are ringing after exposure to the noise
• Other sounds seem muffled after you leave the noisy area

What are common sources/levels of noise?

Whisper                                                                           20 dB

Average Home Noise                                                         40 dB

Normal Conversation                                                        50-60 dB

Subway at 200'                                                                 95 dB : Hearing loss may begin   

Power Mower                                                                    107 dB : Structural damage

Rock Concert / Football Game/Pneumatic Riveter                 125 dB : Pain Level

Gunshot/Siren at 100’                                                        140 dB

Rocket Engine                                                                   180 dB

For a listing of your specific tools, check out the NIOSH website for an interactive listing of tools and their loudness levels.  Go to the related links section and click on the NIOSH/Noise and Hearing Prevention link.

Symptoms of a Noise Induced Hearing Loss

• Decreased ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
• Sounds may become muffled or distorted.
• Tinnitus: any noise in the ear that should not be there. Examples are ringing, buzzing, humming, or chirping.

How is Noise Induced Hearing Loss Treated?

Currently there is no known way to correct or repair damaged done to the ears as a result of noise.  Hearing aids offer a way to improve the signal but they are not a "fix".  The only options available are AVOIDANCE of noise or PROTECTION from noise.

What are some options for Hearing Protection?

Premier Hearing Solutions offers many types of custom and non-custom hearing protection devices available today.  Musicians earmolds offer various degrees of filtering overall sounds that do not distort the original sound quality.  Expandable foam plugs, premolded plugs, canal caps and earmuffs are typically worn in the workplace environment.  They are also appropriate for home/recreational activities that may involve excessive noise levels.  Many people prefer custom made hearing protection as they are typically more comfortable in the ear because they are made to fit the contours of your own ear. 

Remember: The best hearing protection available on the market today is the one that is worn correctly and consistently! So choose a model that is comfortable and easy for you to use.