How Loud is Too Loud?

An estimated five million children between the ages of 6 and 19 have hearing loss resulting from either a one-time exposure to a loud sound or continuous exposure to loud sounds for long periods of time. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is irreversible, but also preventable.

How do we hear?

Hair cells in the organ of hearing (fun fact: the organ of hearing is shaped like a snail) are responsible for converting sound to an electrical signal so that the hearing nerve can send the sound to the brain. When exposed to loud sounds, these hair cells are damaged and do not grow back.

So, how loud is too loud?

• When your child is wearing headphones, do you find yourself raising your voice so they can hear what you are asking them?
• Does your child complain of ringing in his/her ears even after the noise has stopped?
• Does your child have difficulty hearing or complain of decreased hearing sensitivity after the loud noise has stopped?
• Can you hear (and even more concerning, can you understand the words of) your child’s music when they are using earbuds/headphones?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then your child may be exposed to sounds that could result in noise-induced hearing loss.

Ways to protect your/your child’s hearing

• Turn the volume down.
• Move away from areas/devices with loud noise.
• Use hearing protection (options include: foam earplugs and/or earmuffs) whenever around excessively loud noise.

Signs of noise-induced hearing loss

• Complaints of ringing in the ears
• Decrease in hearing immediately following exposure to loud noise
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments

Sounds are measured in decibels (dB), and research shows that sounds at or above 85 dB for extended periods of time require use of hearing protection. For reference, the chart below shows varying sounds and what decibel range they are in. As sounds get louder, the amount of time that is considered “safe” to listen to it becomes shorter.

With the Fourth of July upon us, common concerns arise:

“Are fireworks too loud?”

“Can my child watch fireworks?”

“Should we buy hearing protection?”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should not be exposed to sounds with a peak sound pressure level above 140 dB. For children, the level is reduced to 120 dB. Fireworks can produce up to 170 dB of sound pressure. A “safe” distance for adults is considered to be 50 to 65 feet away from the source of the sound and 165 to 200 feet for children. It is recommended that infants not be exposed to fireworks given that their small ear canals will result in even louder sound pressure levels reaching their organ of hearing. While this is what the WHO recommends, the general (and more conservative) rule of thumb is to sit or stand at least 500 feet away from the fireworks display. This will still allow you, together as a family, to get a good view of the fireworks without having to worry about damage to the organ of hearing. If your viewing location is closer, or if one of your family traditions includes setting off your own fireworks, it is recommended that hearing protection be used. Hearing protection options include foam earplugs and/or protective earmuffs.

If concerns arise following exposure to any loud sounds, be sure to let your primary care physician know so that hearing can be tested. Wishing you all a very happy and safe Fourth of July!

Take Home Message

Avoid noises that are too loud, too close or last too long!

Image courtsey of American Academy of Audiology