Patient and Family Education
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
What is noise induced hearing loss? Damage to your hearing can be caused Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent hearing loss caused by by hearing loud exposure to loud sounds over time or to a loud impact noise. Both the volume sounds over time or of noise and duration of noise exposure can contribute to a risk for hearing hearing a loud impact loss. There are several ways to protect against this type of hearing loss and noise. This handout lists ways to protect prevention is the most important tool to reduce risk. against this type of hearing loss. How can I protect my hearing? Things you can do to help protect against hearing loss: • Be aware of the sounds around you and identify sources of noise. If you find that you need to shout to be heard by someone standing nearby, you are possibly being exposed to a dangerous level of noise. • Be aware of the sounds from toys. Some name brand toys have sounds as loud as 104 dB. • Do not listen to music in headphones at high levels. The volume on your mobile device can go as high as 105 dB! • Listen to music with headphones for 1.5 hours or less per day with no higher than 80% of the max volume. If someone can hear your music next to you, it is too loud. • Use hearing protectors when you are in a noisy environment. Remember that hearing protectors limit the level of sound, but do not block out all noise. This includes sporting events, music concerts and symphonies, shooting sports, or riding snowmobiles, lawn mowers or tractors. (A Seattle Seahawks game has been recorded at 137.6 dB. See list below for comparison sounds.) • Follow up with your hearing and ear specialists as recommended. • Wear a helmet to protect your head when biking or skating. Trauma to the head can increase your risk of hearing loss.
Decibel levels of common sounds Sound is measured in units called decibels. Decibel levels begin at zero, which is near total silence and the weakest sound our ears can hear. A whisper is 30 decibels and a normal conversation is 60 decibels. An increase of 10 means that a sound is 10 times more intense, or powerful. To your ears, it sounds twice as loud. Anything below 90 decibels is safe without hearing protection.
Sound Decibels Firecracker 140 -165 decibels Jet engine taking off 140 decibels
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Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Sound Decibels To Learn More Seahawks Game 137 decibels • Otolaryngology Ambulance siren 120 decibels 206-987-2105 Music concert 110 decibels • Ask your child’s Music player at maximum volume 105 decibels healthcare provider Woodshop, snowmobile: 100 decibels • www.seattlechildrens.org Gas lawn mower 90 decibels* Heavy city traffic, school cafeteria 85 decibels Dishwasher 75 decibels Free Interpreter Normal conversation 60 decibels Services Refrigerator 40 decibels • In the hospital, ask Whisper 30 decibels your child’s nurse. *Below 90 decibels is safe without hearing protection. • From outside the hospital, call the What kind of protection can I put on my ears? toll-free Family Ear protection for loud environments: Interpreting Line 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
If you have any questions regarding this information feel free to reach out to our Otolaryngology team at Seattle Children’s at 206-987-2105.
Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. 8/18 This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act PE2921 or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2018 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Otolaryngology 2 of 2