In a busy, bustling world, loud noise is all around us. Chainsaws and power tools may be the first thing to come to mind, but even long exposure to noise from a hair dryer or your smoothie maker can do harm to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. That’s right, even sounds that appear comfortable can be harmful after a while.
With the volume turned up to what may seem to be a comfortably loud 85 dB, you’re already at the limit of safe sound. Turn the volume up to 88 dB and, in 4 hours time, you can do permanent damage. Regardless of your hobbies or occupation, what we think of as everyday sounds can take their toll. Since the collateral effects of untreated hearing loss can include the increased risk of dementia or cognitive decline, falls, cardiovascular disease, social isolation, depression and anxiety, understanding what to look out for and how to protect your hearing is all the more important.