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by Amber Hodgson, M.A., CCC-SLP
Did you know that prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause
gradual hearing loss (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD), 2010)? But first, what are “decibels?” Decibels (dB) are what
we use to measure noise levels, and 85 dB is probably not as loud as you think;
the noise-level gauge below shows that 85 dB is slightly louder than heavy city
traffic!
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How Loud is too Loud?
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Decibels
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Sound Source
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150
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Firecracker
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120
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Ambulance siren
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110
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Chain saw, rock concert
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105
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Personal stereo system at maximum level
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100
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Wood shop, Snowmobile
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95
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Motorcycle
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90
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Power mower
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85
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Heavy city traffic
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60
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Normal conversation
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40
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Refigerator humming
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30
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Whispered voice
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0
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Threshold of normal hearing
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(NIDCD, 2010)
The type of hearing loss that occurs from exposure to loud sounds is known as noise-induced
hearing loss (NIHL), and research suggests that NIHL is occurring much
more frequently and at younger ages (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA), 2010). NIHL usually occurs painlessly over a period of time; however, it
can occur from one exposure to an extremely loud noise. Luckily, NIHL can be prevented!
Effects of NIHL
Hearing loss due to noise exposure usually occurs in the high frequencies (pitches).
Speech sounds that give meaning to words, such as /ch/, /th/, /sh/, /f/, and /s/,
are high-frequency sounds; therefore, NIHL can make it difficult to understand words
and communicate successfully. This can lead to problems listening in different environments,
including the classroom. Children with NIHL may be hesitant to answer in the classroom
or have conversations with peers, and they may also demonstrate behavior problems.
How Can NIHL Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent hearing loss due to noise exposure is to eliminate or reduce
the noise. When noise cannot be eliminated, people need to protect themselves from
the noise by wearing hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs. Other ways to
prevent hearing loss due to noise exposure are to limit the amount of time around
the noise or to increase the distance from the source of the noise. If, after leaving
a potentially noise-harmful area, you experience tinnitus (ringing in the
ears), or if the people talking to you sound like they are mumbling, you could be
experiencing temporary hearing loss due to noise exposure, which may lead to permanent
hearing loss over time.
It is important to educate your children about NIHL through discussion and by example.
Wear your ear protection and encourage your children to follow your example. Also,
do not overlook a potential risk of hearing loss from any device that children use
with headphones. Remind them to keep their headphones at a reasonable volume and
not to listen to them for too long.
Resources
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