Noise: How loud is too loud?

Loud noise can be very damaging to hearing. Both the level of the noise and the length of time you listen to the noise can put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Noise is measured in decibels -- dB for short. The higher the decibel levels the louder the noise. Exposure to noise of 85 dB or above can cause permanent hearing loss. The hearing system can be injured not only by the level of the noise, but also by the amount of time you are exposed.

The noise chart below lists average decibel levels for everyday sounds around us:

Painful

150 dB -- Fireworks at 3 feet

140 dB -- Firearms, jet engine

130 dB -- Jackhammer

120 dB -- Jet plane takeoff, siren

Extremely loud

110 dB -- Maximum output of some MP4 players, model airplane, chainsaw

106 dB -- Gas lawnmower, snowblower

100 dB -- Hand drill, pneumatic drill

90 dB -- Subway, passing motorcycle

Very loud

80-90 dB -- Blow dryer, kitchen blender, food processor

70 dB -- Busy traffic, vacuum cleaner, alarm clock

Moderate

60 dB -- Typical conservation, dishwasher, clothes dryer

50 dB -- Moderate rainfall

40 dB -- quiet room

Faint

30 dB -- Whisper, quiet library

To schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat physician or an audiologist, call (479) 549-4055.

-- Lou McGrail has been in audiology since 1970 and has worked alongside ear, nose and throat specialists since 1974. He works closely with Dr. Jack A. Coleman and is now accepting new patients at Siloam Springs ENT & Cosmetic Surgery located at 1101-3 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs.