Adjust the sliders to reflect your average daily and weekly exposure to loud noise. The values are based on common workplace and recreational noise levels.
Click the "Calculate Risk" button on the previous tab to see your results.
Your Estimated Risk Level
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Summary & Recommendations
About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a permanent hearing impairment resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. It can also be caused by a single, brief exposure to a very loud sound (acoustic trauma).
How does it happen?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Exposure to noise at or above 85 decibels (dBA) for an extended period can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not grow back, leading to permanent hearing loss.
Common Causes:
Occupational Noise: Working in factories, construction sites, airports, or with loud machinery.
Recreational Noise: Attending loud concerts, listening to personal music devices at high volumes, using firearms, or operating loud vehicles like motorcycles or snowmobiles.
Household Noise: Using power tools, lawnmowers, or leaf blowers without hearing protection.
Prevention is Key
Since NIHL is permanent, prevention is crucial. You can protect your hearing by:
Knowing which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 dBA).
Wearing earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity.
If you can't reduce the noise or protect yourself from it, move away from it.
Lowering the volume on personal listening devices.
Undergoing regular hearing screenings if you are frequently exposed to loud noises.
