Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of sound. Anything above 85 dB can begin to damage hearing with prolonged or repeated exposure. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause harm. For example, close exposure to noise above 120 dB can cause immediate damage to your hearing.
Noise-induced hearing loss is often permanent, but it’s also preventable. Let’s take a look at common sounds, how loud they are and simple ways to protect your ears for clearer hearing.
Decibel Readings of Everyday Items
Here’s a quick look at how loud some common items and environments can be:
- Refrigerator hum: 50 dB
- Coffee grinder: 70-80 dB
- Hair dryer: 60–95 dB
- Lawnmower: 65–95 dB
- Football game stadium: 117 dB
- Car stereo: 125 dB
While noise can damage your hearing, there are ways to protect it.
How To Protect Your Hearing
Protecting your hearing doesn’t mean drastically changing your life. It just means making a few conscious choices to keep your ears healthy long term. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your distance from loud sources when possible. Even a few extra feet away from a speaker or power tool can help
- Lower the volume when using headphones, especially if you’re listening for long stretches. Many phones let you set safe listening limits
- Don’t raise your car stereo past half volume
- Use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs when doing loud tasks like mowing the lawn, using power tools or attending a live concert at The Fillmore
- Choose quieter models of household devices like blenders, fans, vacuums and dryers when shopping for replacements
Simple changes like lowering the volume, using ear protection or choosing quieter appliances can make a big difference in preserving your hearing over time.
It’s also important to schedule regular hearing tests. These checkups can help catch issues early, often before you notice symptoms, and give you a head start on effective treatment. Contact San Francisco Audiology today to schedule a hearing test with one of our specialists.