1. Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Melissa Burrow
April Fischer
Lindsay Roesler
Anne Sempos 1

2. Definition:
According to DeBonis and Donohue (2008), noise induced hearing loss is a:
“sensorineural hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud levels of sound; often characterized by a 4,000-Hz “notch”.
Basically, when you listen to sounds that are too loud, or listen to medium-loud sounds for a long time, you cause irreversible damage to delicate structures in your ear.
(NIDCD, 2008) 2

3. Who can it affect?
Everybody 3

4. How does it happen? Causes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:
A single exposure to a very loud sound, blast, or impulse, such as an explosion. Examples of sources of such sounds include: motorcycles, small firearms, dynamite, and music concerts, which generate sounds from decibels.
Exposure to loud sounds (at or above 85 dB) over an extended period of time, such as noise generated by factory and heavy construction machinery, farm equipment, the music in Abercrombie & Fitch stores or crowded restaurants and bars.
The louder the sound, the faster the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss can happen. 4

5. 5

6. Prevention:
Most hearing loss is caused by damaged hair cells, which do not grow back, but NIHL is 100 percent preventable.
All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life.
To protect your hearing:
Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels).
Wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices when involved in a loud activity (special earplugs and earmuffs are available at hardware and sporting goods stores).
Earplugs provide a 32 dB level of protection
Be alert to hazardous noise in the environment.
Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.
Make family, friends, and colleagues aware of the hazards of noise. 6

7. How Loud is Too Loud? Protect Your Ears
Decibels
Sound Source
150
Firecracker
120
Ambulance siren
110
Chain saw, Rock concert
105
Personal stereo system at maximum level
100
Wood shop, Snowmobile 95
Motorcycle 90
Power mower 85
Heavy city traffic 60
Normal conversation 40
Refrigerator humming 30
Whispered voice
Threshold of normal hearing
Protect Your Ears
Know which noises can cause damage. Wear ear plugs when you are involved in a loud activity.
110 Decibels
Regular exposure of more than 1 minute risks permanent hearing loss.
100 Decibels
No more than 15 minutes of unprotected exposure recommended.
85 Decibels
Prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss. 7

8. For more information about Noise Induced Hearing Loss, click on the links below:
0-%20NIHL.pdf
Online Support Groups: 8

9. References
DeBonis, D. A., & Donohue, C. L. (2008).  Survey of Audiology: Fundamentals for Audiologists and health professionals (2nd ed.).  Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2012).  Noise- induced hearing loss.  (NIH Pub. No ).  Bethesda, MD.  Retrieved from  9