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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is permanent hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sounds—whether sudden (like a firecracker) or prolonged (like loud music or machinery). It can affect anyone, at any age.
How Does It Happen?
Sound travels through the ear to the cochlea, a delicate, fluid-filled structure lined with tiny hair cells. Loud noise overstimulates and damages these hair cells, which cannot regenerate—leading to permanent hearing loss.
Risk Factors
🔊 You’re at Higher Risk If:
- Noise is too loud (above 85 dB)
- You’re too close to the source
- You’re exposed for a long duration
Even daily exposure—like using earphones at full volume or working with power tools—can be harmful.
Common Noise Levels (dB Scale)
| Source | Approx. dB Level | Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Firecracker, Gunshot | 140–150 dBP | Unsafe at any duration |
| Rock Concert, Chainsaw | 110–120 dBA | Limit exposure, wear plugs |
| City Traffic, Hair Dryer | 85–100 dBA | Safe < 15 mins without protection |
| Normal Conversation | 60–70 dBA | Safe |
| Quiet Room, Whisper | 30–40 dBA | Completely safe |
| Source | Approx. dB Level | Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Firecracker, Gunshot | 140–150 dBP | Unsafe at any duration |
| Rock Concert, Chainsaw | 110–120 dBA | Limit exposure, wear plugs |
| City Traffic, Hair Dryer | 85–100 dBA | Safe < 15 mins without protection |
| Normal Conversation | 60–70 dBA | Safe |
| Quiet Room, Whisper | 30–40 dBA | Completely safe |
Concerned About Hearing Loss?
Denoc Hearing offers expert hearing assessments and noise protection solutions. Don’t wait—protect your hearing today.
Buy your ear plugs today !
Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, NIHL is permanent. The tiny hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate once damaged. However, early detection and the use of hearing aids or protective strategies can significantly improve communication and quality of life.
Sounds below 70 dB (like normal conversation or rainfall) are considered safe for prolonged exposure. For anything above 85 dB, like traffic or loud music, limit exposure and use ear protection like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs.
Anyone exposed to loud noise regularly is at risk—construction workers, factory employees, musicians, frequent concert-goers, and even children using loud headphones. Hearing tests are especially recommended for those in noisy environments.