We live in an exciting and bustling world. Loud sounds are all around us, from the roaring engines of lawnmowers to the clamor of construction sites. Even your favorite hobbies may involve amplified sound exposure: watching a live concert or the latest movie at the local theater, spending an afternoon at the shooting range or cheering on your team at a live sporting event.

Loud or excessive noise levels have the potential to damage your hearing, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. In fact, 10 million Americans have noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)—the official term for permanent hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure. And as many as 40 million adults have hearing test results that indicate hearing loss from exposure to loud noise.

NIHL can result from brief exposure to extremely high sound levels or repeated exposure to loud noise over time. Sometimes it only affects one ear, however most of the times it affects both. This type of hearing loss often occurs gradually over time, making it hard to detect until the damage is already done. Learn about the science behind sound and how to protect your hearing.

Sound travels in waves. The intensity of energy that these sound waves produce is measured in units called decibels (dB). The lowest hearing decibel level is 0 dB, which indicates nearly total silence and is the softest sound that the human ear can hear. Generally speaking, the louder the sound, the higher the decibel number. So, just how loud is 50, 65, 75, or even 95 decibels? These benchmarks should give you an idea. 

If you’re interested in analyzing your risk for noise-induced hearing  loss, decibel charts can be a helpful tool. They illustrate the intensity of various everyday sounds, ranging from 0 dB (the softest sound someone with normal hearing abilities can perceive) to 140 dB (the threshold of pain). This can bring awareness to how often you’re exposed to potentially damaging noises and help you know when to use hearing protection for work or hobbies.

The average person doesn’t know the decibel  levels  for everyday environmental sounds. How loud is 50 decibels? How about 60? How loud is 100 decibels? Check out the list below for noise  levels  of common sounds.

• Normal breathing: 10 dB
• Whisper: 30 dB
• Dishwasher: 45-60 dB
• Rainfall: 50 dB
• Air conditioner: 50-75 dB
• Vacuum cleaner: 60-85 dB
• Normal conversation: 65-80 dB
• Movie theater: 70-104 dB
• Food blender, mixer or processor: 80-90 dB
• Lawn mower: 80-100 dB
• Motorcycle: 80-110 dB
• Noisy restaurant: 85 dB
• Sporting events: 94-110 dB
• Music through headphones at maximum volume: 94-110 dB
• Live music: 100-115 dB
• Power saw or leaf blower: 110 dB
• Emergency vehicle sirens: 110-129 dB
• Thunder: 120 dB
• Fireworks: 140-160 dB
• Handgun, shotgun or rifle: 160-170 dB

Researchers have discovered that extended or repeated noise exposure to levels of 85 decibels or above can cause permanent hearing loss. When it comes to protecting yourself from damaging levels of sound, wear hearing protection or avoid environments with a sound volume higher than 85 decibels.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires that employers provide annual hearing tests for employees who are exposed to noise levels at or above an 8-hour of 85 decibels (dB). This is part of OSHA's Hearing Conservation Program, which aims to prevent hearing loss due to workplace noise exposure.

Regular hearing tests—especially if you’re over the age of 65, which also puts you at higher risk for age-related hearing loss—can help detect changes to your hearing and help you get the hearing support you need sooner. If you’re concerned about hearing loss, take our online hearing test, or book an appointment for a professional hearing test with a licensed hearing care professional at your local Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center.