Here And Now

Each year, International Noise Awareness Day highlights a growing but often overlooked issue, how everyday sounds can impact our hearing, health, and overall wellbeing. At The Ear Place, we believe this day is an important reminder that hearing health plays a huge role in your overall health, so why aren't we doing more to protect our ears?

What is International Noise Awareness Day?

International Noise Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the harmful effects of noise pollution and encouraging people to take simple steps to protect their hearing. In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by sound, from busy traffic and construction work, to personal listening devices and social events. While these sounds may seem harmless, long-term exposure can have lasting consequences.

How Noise Affects Your Hearing

Hearing loss caused by noise exposure is often gradual, meaning many people don’t notice the damage until it has already occurred. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate structures within the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Noise can also contribute to:

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced concentration and productivity

It’s not just extremely loud environments that pose a risk. Even moderate noise levels, when experienced constantly over time, can impact your hearing health.

How Loud is Too Loud?

Knowing what counts as “too loud” can help you protect your hearing in everyday life. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the risk to your hearing increases as both the volume and time listening increases.

As a general guide, sounds at or below 70 dB are usually considered safe for long periods. This is around the level of a normal conversation. Once sounds reach 85 dB or higher, prolonged exposure can begin to damage your hearing over time.

Everyday examples include:

• 60 dB: Normal conversations
• 80 dB: Busy traffic or a vacuum cleaner
• 100 dB: Music through headphones at maximum volume or concerts
• 110 dB and above: Sirens at close range
• 140 dB: Firework shows

A helpful rule to remember is this: If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone an arm's length away, the environment is likely too loud.

The good news is that damage from noise exposure is preventable. By being aware of volume levels, using hearing protection when necessary, and limiting how long you’re exposed to loud sounds, you can significantly reduce the risk of long term hearing damage. 

Simple Ways to Protect Your Hearing

The good news is that protecting your hearing doesn’t mean avoiding the activities you enjoy. Small, everyday changes can make a big difference.

• Wear earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments such as concerts or when using power tools
• Keep the volume at a safe level when using headphones or earbuds
• Take regular listening breaks to give your ears time to recover
• Be mindful of your surroundings and reduce unnecessary noise where possible
• If anything feels off, get your hearing checked by professionals (it’s better to be safe than sorry)

When to Get Your Hearing Checked

If you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing, such as difficulty following conversations, needing to increase volume levels to adequately hear, or are hearing ringing or buzzing, it may be time for a hearing assessment. 
Book your hearing assessment this International Noise Awareness Day and take a step towards safeguarding your hearing for the future.