Listen Up: How To Prevent Hearing Loss
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How Loud Is Too Loud?
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by a combination of volume and duration. Damage starts to occur after 85 decibels, and for every three-decibel increase, the amount of time you can be safely exposed (without earplugs) decreases by half. Keep in mind that the time limit is your total for the entire day; any more within a 24-hour period can do harm.
Source | Traffic | Airplane cabin | Crying baby | Power lawn mower | Concert or sport event | Motorcycle revving | Car stereo at full volume |
Decibels | 70 | 80 | 90 | 105 | 110 | 120 | 140 |
Safe Time | Unlimited | Unlimited | 90 minutes | 2.8 minutes | 45 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 0 seconds |
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