Another rule of thumb is that if you have to shout to make yourself heard, the source of the noise you’re shouting over may be loud enough to damage your hearing. You’ll also know that a sound is too loud if your ears hurt, and you’ll know afterwards if your ears ring or you have a hard time hearing for several hours after exposure to the noise.
Exposure to high SPL damages hair cells, sensory receptors in the ear, as well as the auditory or hearing nerve. Impulse sounds, or quick bursts of noise such as an explosion, can result in immediate hearing loss that can be permanent and may be accompanied by tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears that can decrease over time. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be experienced in one or both ears due to impulse sounds, and tinnitus can continue constantly or periodically over a lifetime.
Prolonged exposure to high SPL, such as listening to music that’s too loud for too long, may also damage hair cells and result in hearing loss and tinnitus. But because the process occurs more gradually than with impulse noise, the symptoms of hearing loss will also increase gradually. Over time, sounds may become distorted or muffled, and it may be difficult to understand when someone’s talking to you.
Car audio systems are not the only culprits, of course. Activities such as target shooting or hunting with firearms, motorcycle riding, woodworking, and other hobbies can cause hearing loss, as can playing in a band and attending loud concerts. Even noise from lawnmowers and leaf blowers can be harmful.
The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. To protect your hearing:
- Be aware of noise that can harm your ears, such as those at or above 85 decibels, and take steps to reduce your exposure.
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs when involved in activities that can cause hearing damage, such as attending rock concerts or using power tools.
If you think you have hearing loss, get an ear exam.
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