Have you ever considered what sounds around your home could be harming your hearing? Understanding the impacts of the sounds around your home could help you protect your hearing in the long run.
How Hearing Loss Happens
Inside your inner ear, tiny hair cells help transmit sound signals to your brain. Unlike other cells in the body, these delicate structures do not regenerate, which means once they’re damaged, hearing loss is permanent.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) happens when the ears are exposed to loud sounds for long periods or sudden bursts of extremely loud noise. Damage can start at just 85 decibels (dB)—about the volume of heavy traffic. Prolonged exposure to sounds at this level can gradually harm hearing, while noises above 120 dB can cause immediate damage.
Hidden Noise Dangers in Your Home
Many household items can reach dangerous noise levels without us realizing it. Here are some everyday sources of excessive sound:
Kitchen and Cleaning Appliances
- Blender (85-90 dB)
- Vacuum Cleaner (70-85 dB)
- Garbage Disposal (80-95 dB)
Entertainment and Personal Devices
- Hair Dryer (80-90 dB)
- Television (75-90 dB)
- Headphones or Earbuds (85-110 dB)
Home and Outdoor Machinery
- Lawn Mower (85-100 dB)
- Washing Machine & Dryer (70-90 dB)
- Door Slams & Alarm Systems (100-120 dB)
How to Protect Your Hearing at Home
The good news? You can take simple steps to reduce your risk of hearing damage. Consider the following:
- Turn down the volume on your TV, music and personal listening devices.
- Use hearing protection (earplugs or noise-canceling headphones) when operating power tools, lawn equipment or loud appliances.
- Limit exposure by taking breaks from loud sounds.
- Maintain distance from sources of excessive noise whenever possible.
Whether you’re attending a race at Hickory Motor Speedway or doing lawn work, loud environments are common. While these activities are part of daily life, prolonged exposure to loud noise can gradually chip away at your hearing.
If you’re concerned about your hearing or want to take proactive steps to protect it, contact Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center today to schedule a consultation.