Keep the noise down: Hearing damage adds up

It's pretty obvious when a product makes a lot of noise. A rude awakening on a Saturday morning by a neighbor's leaf blower, lawn mower, or string or hedge trimmer is enough for most people to curse the inventors (and the users). Your neighbor may not care that he's bugging you, but he also may not realize the damage he's doing to his own hearing. 

If you're already in the market for a hearing aid, a recent story in Consumer Reports can help you navigate the marketplace.  Our investigation also looked closely at product-related noise and how to minimize your risk of hearing loss. 

Noise damage is a function not just of how loud a product is, but how long you're exposed to the noise. In our testing, we found models of leaf blowers, chain saws, string trimmers, lawn tractors, and even some hair dryers that crank out enough noise to cause concern if you're exposed to it repeatedly. Environments can be noisy too. The subway, sporting events, rock concerts, and even some movie theaters can easily exceed 100 decibels, loud enough to cause damage in just a few minutes if exposure is routine.

Noise damage is cumulative, so it's best to use hearing protection as much as you can, limit how long you're exposed to noise you can't avoid, and save your noise budget for things you really enjoy, like the occasional loud concert or sports event. Take care to wear ear plugs properly for the best protection. And be aware that when it comes to noise you want to hear, like your car stereo or MP3 player, you may not be the best judge of whether it's too loud, especially when there's a lot of background noise.

Comments

[Todd Shaner]

I am afraid that topics concerning noise fall on many "deaf ears," pun intended! I have been living with noise induced hearing loss for over 35 years. I only took noise issues seriously when I also developed tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears! This ringing started about one year after using a very loud chain saw for only about 45 minutes. This was in 1974 when most men thought using hearing protection like earplugs and earmuffs was for sissies.

Tinnitus is NOT something you can take lightly; it is with you for the rest of your life! Prevention of tinnitus is the #1 reason in my opinion for using hearing protection and limiting exposure to loud noises of any kind. The side benefit is that you will also maintain your hearing for the rest of your life!

[Steve Sands]

Loud movies? I take ear plugs when going to the movies.

Note for CU- how about measuring and listing noise levels for all appliances? Lawn equipment, washers & dryers and things like ceiling fans!
I would like to see that.
Steve

[Angus Young]

Hearing loss is bad as it is. But if you do not protect your hearing in music clubs, movie theaters or while working in the garden, you can contract tinnitus. Tinnitus that is induced by loud noise exposure is characetrized as a constant sound that is only audible by yourself but not to anybody else.

Most reports fail to mention Tinnitus although it can become chronic, even the first time it occurs. And it can occur at any age. Contracting tinnitus is a life changing event for most people that are affected by it. There is no cure, only treatments that might or might not help improve the condition.

So people, wear your hearing protection! There are ear plugs that do not distort the sound and these are perfect to enjoy movies, the music club, and even garden work without regrets.

[Mr. Ernest Foss Jr.]

What emphatically needs a positive LE resolution is the *real* problem of a significant number of Harley Davidson and foreign *buzz* noise motorcycle operators from exceeding the 80db allowable noise levels as mandated by federal EPA & CFR regulations. Many of these motorcycle operators, knowingly and with unconcerned intent, purposely exceed the aforementioned allowable noise codes. Some I am quite certain must exceed the 80db allowable (tolerable) noise standards by double, if not much more, as I can hear their machines from three or four miles away!! And this begins at 0400 continuing off and on 'til 2300 hours!! Such law breakers well KNOW that LE officials will take NO action to enforce existing SD Statute (32-15-17) concerning excessive noise, so they continue to operate at will within residential areas and w/i city limits. Nothing is done to stop such illegal behavior. These specific lawbreakers operate their illegally modified cycles, with impunity. A letter I wrote to my SD Governor, complaining of this ongoing festering problem, was handed over to the Chief LE officer for the state of SD ~ thus far NO positive law enforcement action has been noted in this regard. Positive LE is simple (other states are beginning to clamp down on these violators) by using a db noise meter and determining if the muffled sound emanating from such a motorcycle muffler exceeds 80db. Foolproof evidence in *any* court of law, IF acted upon with resolve.

[Art]

One of my favorite noise makers is the excessive noise made by motorcycles and pickup trucks. It seems that no one can drive either without first removing the mufflers originally installed to "muffle" the excessive noise made by internal combustion engines.

California Vehicle Code section 38370 establishes noise limits for vehicles manufactured after 1/1/1986 at not more than 82 decibells at 50 feet from the center line of the roadway but I see no evidence that these limits are enforced. You may see a CHP officer pointing a radar gun at you for excessive speed but I have yet to see a CHP officer use a noise detector. I doubt any CHP officers have such a device. Why doen't the CHP enforce the law and make the envoriment less noisy?

[Judith Lienhard]

After visits to movie theaters, I have written to them and complained about the noise level. have received polite answers without any remedies. Why is this allowed? A friend told me that her pediatrician recommended not taking her son who is hearing impaired and wears a hearing aid, to the movies! that is quite a statement!