How Loud is Too Loud?
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| One way to protect your hearing is by using earplugs. Mack's earplugs are donated to Deafness Research Foundation and are distributed at conferences by DRF. Click the image to go to Mack's website. |
Know which noises can cause damage. Wear ear plugs when you are involved in a loud activity.
120 Decibels
Hearing loss after 9 seconds
110 Decibels
Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.
100 Decibels
No more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended.
85 Decibels
Prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss.
Too Loud:
150 Firecracker
120 Ambulance siren
110 Chain saw, Rock concert
105 Personal stereo system at maximum level
100 Wood shop, Snowmobile
95 Motorcycle
90 Power mower
85 Heavy city traffic
Safe:
60 Normal conversation
40 Refrigerator humming
30 Whispered voice
Sources: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2008.
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