How Loud Noises Affect Your Hearing

How Loud Noises Affect Your Hearing Every day we experience sounds in our environment, such as traffic noise, household appliances and noise from the TV and radio. Normally, these sounds are at a safe level and don't damage our hearing, but particularly loud sounds, or repeated exposure to loud noises can have an adverse effect on our hearing. In this infographic, we'll take a look at noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and how loud noises can affect hearing. NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS (NIHL) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM NIHL cases in the UK have been decreasing steadily over the last ten years, as employers, employees and members of the public have become better informed about the issue and how to prevent it. Let's have a look at some of the statistics: The number of new cases of NIHL in Britain has been decreasing over the last decade: NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense 'impulse' sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time. 2003 340 Common sounds and activities associated with 2004 335 NIHL include: 2005 255 2006 210 Approx Approx Approx 85db 95db 100db 2007 180 2008 215 Listening to loud music via headphones Regularly attending gigs and concerts Regularly playing with a band / group 2009 205 2010 195 2011 150 Approx Approx Approx 110 db 160 db 180 db 2012 125 2013 120 Shooting and hunting Aeroplane engine noise Emergency *Figures rounded to the nearest 5. Data via Health & Safety Executive service sirens In the last 11 years there have been over 2,000 NIHL claims. The vast majority of these have been made by men: Approx Approx Approx 150 db 85db 120 db Fireworks Workmen or Thunder from MEN WOMEN and explosives construction nearby storm 80% 20% *Any sound above 85 decibels can cause problems with hearing DECIBEL RATINGS OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S LOUDEST NOISES Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. 350db 325db 310 db 300db 275db 250db 235db 225db 210 db 190db 200db 180 db .. . . 170 db 175db 160db 150db 150db 128db 135db 125db Odb TREATMENT & PREVENTION OF NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS Noise induced hearing loss is caused by the damage and eventual death of sensory hair cells in the inner ear. It can also be caused by loud bursts of sound, which can rupture the eardrum or damage the bones in the middle ear - this type of NIHL is immediate. NIHL cannot be reversed, however the effects can be treated via the use of a hearing aid. However, NIHL is the only type of hearing loss that is completely preventable. If you understand the hazards of noise you can prevent your hearing for life. Here's how: Wear earplugs or other protective devices when involved in a loud activity Know which noises cause damage and make others aware of noise hazards If you can't reduce the noise or protect yourself from it, move away from the noise Be alert to hazardous noises in the environment, and ensure you can protect yourself from them Protect the ears of young children who are too young If you think you might have some hearing loss, be sure to get your hearing tested as soon as possible to protect their own Sources makeitlouder.com news.nationalgeographic.com wiki.answers.com | dangerousdecibels.org telegraph.co.uk | nidcd.nih.gov wikipedia.org | hse.gov.uk actiononhearingloss.org.uk nhs.co.uk | americanhearing.org pf-events All information correct as of December 2014. Infographic brought to you by PF Events Tunguska meteor 5.0 Richter scale earthquake One ton bomb Blue whale Plane takeoff Space shuttle launch Gunfire Fireworks Loudest recorded rock concert Loudest recorded human scream