24/06/2025
Youโve probably heard that loud noises can damage your hearing, but how loud is too loud? Thatโs where decibels (dB) come in; they measure sound intensity on a clever scale where small number jumps mean big volume changes.
Normal conversation sits around 60 dB. But crank it up to 85 dB (like city traffic or a lawnmower), and youโve reached the danger zone where prolonged exposure can harm your hearing. At 100 dB (motorcycles, sporting events), damage can occur in just 15 minutes.
The scary part? Many everyday sounds cross these thresholds:
๐น Hairdryers: 85-90 dB
๐น Concerts: 100-115 dB
๐น Fireworks: 140-160 dB (instant damage risk)
Your ears donโt get โused toโ loud sounds, they accumulate irreversible damage. If youโve ever left a noisy environment with ringing ears (hello, tinnitus warning!), thatโs your bodyโs distress signal.
Smart listening habits:
Keep earbud volume below 60%, wear earplugs at concerts/worksites, and give your ears quiet recovery time after loud exposure. Your future hearing will thank you!
Learn more: helpmehear.ca
