Extensive exposure to loud noise at your workplace or during your travels are harmful to your hearing health.
Prolonged exposure to an overly loud noise may damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Be aware of such noises and steer away from them. This is the advice of audiologist Raja S, founder and managing director of Hyderabad-based Hearzap.
He points to five noises that can damage hearing:
Unexpected explosions
Explosions, like a car backfiring or a sonic boom, can be incredibly loud (often exceeding 140 decibels) and may even cause hearing damage. A normal conversation is only about 60 dB in comparison.
Festivals and concerts
Try to stay away from loudspeakers while attending a concert or festival. Carry earplugs and listen from a safe distance.
Home improvement equipment
Put on earplugs before the chainsaw or drill machine is plugged in. Such machines produce sounds higher than 90 dB.
Personal audio on high
Many people crank up their headphones or earbuds to drown out background noise. However, listening to music above 60 per cent volume for extended periods can also damage hearing.
Be mindful of the volume setting and consider using noise-cancelling headphones.
Hidden culprits
Even some seemingly harmless places can emanate surprisingly loud noises. The noise at arcades, movie theatres and bowling alleys can all exceed safe listening levels. Be aware of your surroundings and take breaks from loud noises whenever possible.
“Any time you encounter any sort of pain, get yourself tested immediately,” said Mr Raja.
Indo-Asian News Service
