
07/05/2025
As we celebrate Better Hearing Month, checkout ATA's graphic from our award-winning magazine 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 on managing noise levels!
According to the NIH, sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for noise induced hearing loss to happen.
Here are the average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:
Normal conversation: 60-70 dBA
Movie theater: 74-104 dBA
Motorcyles and dirt bikes: 80-110 dBA
Music through headphones at maximum volume, sporting events, and concerts: 94-110 dBA
Sirens: 110-129 dBA
Fireworks show: 140-160 dBA
Your distance from the source of the sound and the length of time you are exposed to the sound are also important factors in protecting your hearing. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are too loud, too close, or last too long.
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