Hearing loss is commonly thought of in conjunction with older Americans, but did you know that rates of hearing loss in teenagers and children are rising as well?

Currently, hearing loss is the third most common medical condition in the United States. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing damage, due to exposure to loud noise on a regular basis. This could lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

But how loud is loud? You may be surprised – certain sounds we think of as everyday noises could lead to permanent hearing loss.

Unlike presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), noise-induced hearing loss could happen to anyone, at any time. It could also be acquired gradually, through many years of exposure. Many hearing specialists have found that children’s toys, in recent years, have been louder than their predecessors. Some of this is due to ever-changing technology that makes sounds and music clearer and louder than before.

Noise-induced hearing loss could also happen in one-time event, when someone is exposed to an extremely loud level of sound in one instance – such as a gunshot or firecrackers. Hearing specialists believe that exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or above could lead to permanent hearing loss over an extended period of time.

Here, we review five common everyday noises that could lead to permanent hearing loss.

Did you know that your home stereo speakers could get as loud as a live rock concert? Home stereo speakers when played at high volume could fall between 110 to 140 decibels, well over the safe zone according to hearing specialists. If you’re in a smaller space, the more dangerous the decibels become. Even though using speakers is preferable to earbuds or headphones, when they’re turned up far too loud, you could be endangering your hearing.

While enjoying music, adhere to the 60-60 rule prescribed by hearing specialists. They recommend 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. If you want to listen to music for longer, take frequent breaks to give your ears a rest.

Whether you’re working on a DIY construction project at home, or you work in construction, consistent exposure to power tools could lead to permanent hearing loss. The hum of a stalled construction vehicle engine clocks in at 85 decibels – imagine working next to one with power tools and no hearing protection for eight hours! That could permanently damage your hearing.

Hearing specialists recommend using custom ear protection, whether you are on the job or you are a hobbyist. Custom ear protection filters out the dangerous decibels that could otherwise cause permanent hearing loss.

Did you know that you could experience hearing loss after one-time exposure to a noise that is 120 decibels? An ambulance siren falls into this category. If you live in an area where ambulances frequent, or if you work as a medic, is it important to make sure that your ears are protected. Custom ear protection is recommended for people who work in the emergency medical sector.

Annual hearing tests are also recommended if you live in a high traffic area that may expose you to loud sirens and traffic on a regular basis.

As with ambulance sirens above, motorcycles also clock in at a high decibel. If you drive a motorcycle, consider custom ear protection while you ride (along with your helmet!). A long-distance road trip on a motorcycle could lead to permanent hearing damage.

The ubiquitous earbuds, plugged into a smartphone or tablet, is a common look these days among both young and old. Earbuds are extremely convenient, as they are small and easily transportable. However, the use of earbuds is one leading cause in rising rates of hearing loss among younger populations.

The proximity of earbuds to your eardrums means an increase in decibel, regardless of the volume you have. Additionally, earbuds don’t do a good job at blocking out external noise, which means people tend to crank up the volume when listening to audio on earbuds. The conditions inside your ear canal have been compared to drilling in a coal mine.

Hearing specialists recommend using noise-canceling headphones – but also for a limited amount of time a day.

Hearing loss is becoming more and more common. If you believe you are experiencing changes in your hearing, contact us at HearCare Rhode Island. We provide comprehensive hearing tests to give you a better picture of your current hearing abilities.