Intense noise exposure is not only dangerous for our ears – at ALL AGES – but also irreversible in the damage it does. Loud noises for extended periods of time can cause permanent degradation of hearing ability, speech understanding, and processing in background noise, as well as tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Hearing protection is not just for those working in factories and construction… check out the common household and environmental noises below and the associated safe levels and durations of each! The Hearing Wellness Center will recommend custom-fit hearing protection for the type of noise exposure(s) in your life. They should be used for concerts, live music (performing and attending), fireworks, dentistry, construction, factory work, lawn mowers (and power tools in general), utilizing firearms, wedding receptions and other parties, festivals, and similar events.
Sources: Hearing Care Centre, Audico Hearing