Five Everyday Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Hearing

Acoustic experts caution that several common daily activities expose us to noise levels that can cause permanent hearing damage. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), as this intensity level exceeds the safe threshold recommended by health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to acoustic specialist Clare Campbell, here are five everyday behaviours that may unknowingly put your hearing at risk:

1. Listening to music through headphones or earbuds at high volumes: Personal audio devices can reach volumes exceeding 100 dB, especially when played at maximum levels. Continuous exposure to such loud sounds, even for as little as 15 minutes a day, can damage the hair cells in the cochlea responsible for translating sound waves into nerve signals.

2. Watching TV or videos with excessive volume: Turning up the TV to overcome background noise can result in sound levels above 85 dB, particularly in smaller rooms where sound reflections amplify noise intensity.

3. Frequenting loud social venues: Nightclubs, concerts, and busy pubs often feature sound levels between 90 and 110 dB. Regular exposure to these environments without hearing protection can accelerate auditory damage, increasing the risk of permanent hearing loss.

4. Using noisy household appliances: Appliances such as vacuum cleaners (70-90 dB), lawnmowers (85-100 dB), and kitchen blenders (85-95 dB) emit sounds near or above safe limits. Extended use without ear protection can contribute cumulatively to hearing damage.

5. Ignoring symptoms like tinnitus or ear ringing: Persistent tinnitus is often an early indicator of cochlear or neural damage. Early intervention is critical to prevent further hearing loss.

   
   

Musicians and Hearing Health

Musicians are particularly susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss due to frequent exposure to high decibel levels during performances and rehearsals. Regular hearing screenings are essential for monitoring and managing potential auditory damage in this group.

Understanding Safe Listening Limits

Experts recommend limiting exposure to noise levels above 85 dB to less than 8 hours per day, with the permissible exposure time halving for every 3 dB increase in sound intensity. For example, at 88 dB, safe exposure drops to 4 hours, and at 100 dB, it reduces to just 15 minutes.

Tsvetan Nedkov, Acoustic Engineer and Founder of DECIBEL, commented:

“With the RNID reporting that nearly 18 million people in the UK suffer from some form of hearing loss, it is especially important we understand the risk of exposure to loud noises, and the importance of protecting our ears from damage.

“Making small changes to the way we manage prolonged noise exposure can also have a huge positive impact on our long-term hearing health.”

Preventative Measures

• Keep personal audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume

• Use noise-cancelling headphones to avoid raising volume in noisy environments

• Wear ear protection during loud activities

• Take regular breaks from noisy settings to allow ears to recover

• Attend regular hearing screenings, especially if exposed to loud environments frequently.

  
  

At Precision Hearing, we stress the importance of awareness and proactive hearing care. If you experience difficulty hearing or symptoms like tinnitus, please book an appointment with our clinical Audiologist.