The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that the single largest cause of preventable hearing loss is exposure to loud noise, such as that associated with loud music and heavy industry. However, this does not mean that people who do not work in machine shops or go to concerts with amplified music are exempt from noise-induced hearing loss. It is generally agreed that prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds exceeding 85 decibels (dB), which is equal to the noise of heavy city traffic, can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the less time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to occur. This is something to bear in mind when operating a food processor/blender (90dB), motorcycle (95dB), or lawnmower (100dB).
When you are exposed to loud noise over a long period of time, symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss will increase gradually. Over time, the sounds you hear may become distorted or muffled, and it may be difficult for you to understand speech. You may not even be aware of the loss, but it can be detected with a hearing test. To schedule a hearing exam, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER, New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Noise-induced hearing loss typically affects the ability to hear upper-frequency sounds, which inhibits the ability to understand conversation.
