How Loud is too Loud?

Did you know that you can measure how loud a sound is?

Sounds are measured in decibels and the higher the decibel, the louder the sound. Some people think that only really loud noises can damage your hearing, but you may be surprised what sounds are actually considered too loud. Below is a chart of how loud everyday noises are and how long they are safe to listen to with unprotected ears.

Remember, anything over 85 dB can cause hearing loss if listened to for long enough. A lot of people are surprised to hear that something as common as car traffic and a lawnmower can cause hearing damage. If you are going to be around anything in the red zone, it's so important that you protect your ears.

How can you tell if a noise is to loud? (because you’re probably not going to carry about this chart!)

If you start feeling sick- believe it or not, too much noise can actually make you dizzy and feel nauseous.
If you have to raise your voice.- if you have to yell for the person next you to you to hear you, it’s probably too loud.
If your ears start to hurt-if a sound is loud enough, the inside of your ears can start to hurt. If that happens, it is time to leave the area and get to a quieter place.

Always, always, always wear protective ear coverings if you are going to be in a loud environment.

Remember, once your hearing is damaged, there is no fixing it. Is that concert or fireworks really worth it?

#decibels #loudness