Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss
| Sound | Intensity (dB) |
| Lawn mower | 88-94 |
| Heavy traffic, Noisy restaurant | 85-90 |
| Tractor, Air compressor | 90-95 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 60-85 |
| Hairdryer | 80-95 |
| Handsaw | 85 |
| Truck, Shouted conversation | 90 |
| Electric drill | 95 |
| Motorcycle | 95-110 |
| Disco, Night club | 110 |
| Car hooter, baby crying | 110 |
| Hammer hitting nail | 120 |
| Ambulance siren | 120 |
| Percussion section at symphony concert | 130 |
| Jet airplane taking off | 140 |
| Balloon popping | 157 |
| Handgun | 166 |
| Woodworking | 100 |
| Busy video-games arcade | 110 |
| Rock concert | 110-120 |
| Rugby game (stadium) | 117 |
| Jackhammer | 130 |
| Airplane taking off | 140 |
| Firecracker | 150 |
| Rifle shot | 163 |
| Shotgun | 170 |
OSHA Permissible Daily Noise Exposure
| Duration in hours | Sound Level in dBA |
| 8 | 85 |
| 4 | 88 |
| 2 | 91 |
| 1 | 94 |
| 30 min | 97 |
| 15 min | 100 |
Noise exposure of 85db and above can cause a progressive, irreversible inner ear hearing loss.
Three Types of Noise Induced Hearing Loss
- Temporary Threshold Shift
Initial temporary elevation in hearing thresholds after exposure, recovers gradually.
- Permanent Threshold Shift
Accumulation of noise exposure, repeatedly on a daily basis over a period. Gradually, person usually unaware of change in hearing
- Acoustic trauma
Single exposure or relatively few exposures to very high levels of sound e.g. explosions. The effects on the ear might be temporary e.g. if it caused the eardrums to rupture, or permanent when the delicate structures of the inner ear are damaged.
Individuals in the following situations should take special care:
- Hunters
- Musicians
- Recreational shooters
- Law enforcement officers
- Labourers of industries/mines
- Motorcyclists
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