Wearing ear plugs in noisy environments can protect your ears from damage.
We live in a noisy world.
When we are exposed to loud sounds, we are at risk of damaging delicate structures in our ears that aid in hearing. This damage causes hearing loss.
You may remember a time when you were exposed to loud sounds. Shortly after, your ears may have felt plugged up and were even ringing. This is a symptom of noise induced hearing loss and people of all ages can be affected. Sometimes, after a day or so, the ringing and feeling of fullness will subside. However, the more often this occurs the less chance there is of your hearing returning to normal. Unfortunately, once the damage is done, this type of hearing loss cannot be reversed.
It is very important to protect your hearing from noise exposure as much as possible with the use of hearing protection such as ear plugs and earmuffs.
Hearing loss was not a well understood problem to the general public until recent years. In the past, there were no requirements in regards to employer’s responsibility for protecting employee’s hearing and many individuals were not terribly concerned about it anyway. Most people didn’t bother wearing hearing protection while hunting, using power tools or doing any other noisy activity.
To provide a better explanation of sounds that can damage your hearing, take a look at the following noise levels and examples:
- Normal conversational speech typically occurs at about a 60 decibel sound level.
- Repeated exposure to sounds above 90 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss.
- Regular exposure to sounds above 110 decibels can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss.
- A chainsaw is about 110 decibels
- Lawnmowers are around 90 decibels
- Music in cars that is loud enough for others to feel the vibration is about 120 decibels
- Rock concerts are upwards of 140 decibels
Each of the above examples can cause hearing loss. However, the simple use of hearing protection can prevent the beginning of hearing loss as well as help slow the progression. It is also very important to use your hearing protection correctly. Read the instructions and learn how to appropriately insert, place and use your earplugs and or earmuffs.
Noise induced hearing loss is a very preventable problem, however, you must take the necessary precautions to protect and preserve your hearing health.
