We Specialize in Noise Management Program
Noise can be described as unwanted sound that is commonly perceived as loud, unpleasant, or disruptive. Noise can be produced from many different sources – speakers, Snow Blower, hair dryer, airplane, and so on.
Since the ear is unable to close itself off from our surroundings, it is left susceptible to such noises. Therefore, when noise reaches high levels even for a brief period of time, sensitive structures within the ear can be damaged.
Damage to these structures can cause issues such as permanent or temporary noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and/or psychological stress.
With our Online Risk Evaluation Calculator you can calculate how much you are exposed to hazardous noise.
NOISE: THE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD IN CANADA
The most common occupational and environmental hazard is noise. Over 38 million Canadians are exposed to potentially harmful sound levels at work.
Outside of work, many people pursue activities that produce harmful sounds. In addition, five million Canadians use firearms, many of the population use power tools and amplified music, as well as recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles and motorcycles without adequate hearing protection. Children’s toys can produce sounds that can cause permanent hearing damage.
There are two ways to describe noise:
- Intensity (perceived as loudness)
- Frequency (perceived as pitch)
The intensity and duration of noise exposure affect the potential for damage to inner ear hair cells. Sound that seems “comfortably loud” may still damage them.
HOW MUCH NOISE CAUSES HEARING LOSS?
Sound levels over 85 db can damage your hearing faster. Every 3-db increase in noise levels over 85 db reduces the safe listening time in half. It is possible to listen to sounds at 85 db for up to 8 hours. If the sound reaches 88 db, it is safe to listen to the same sounds for four hours. If the sound is up to 91 db, the safe listening time is reduced to 2 hours.
Read the chart to understand, how much noise can damage your hearing:
SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss commonly occurs slowly and therefore, many people do not always recognize it.
- Do you feel like people are mumbling when they speak to you?
- Do you have trouble conversing in a social setting with background noise? (e.g. restaurant, party, work meetings, etc)
- Have you ever been told that you speak too loudly?
- Have you ever experienced pain in your ears when exposed to loud noises?
WE AT HEARING EXCELLENCE RECOMMEND THESE STEPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEARING LOSS
Take the following steps to protect your hearing:
- Spend less time on activities that are extremely noisy.
- Keep the volume of your car and home audio at an enjoyable but safe level.
- If you’re at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. Make sure the protection device fits properly. Consult an audiologist for assistance.
- After work or other activities, schedule some quiet time if you are experiencing temporary hearing loss or tinnitus. Allow your ears to rest.
- Children’s toys should not produce high sound levels. Look for toys with volume controls or on-off switches so that sound can be lowered or turned off. Keep in mind that children hold toys closer to their ears than adults.
Please book an appointment with our licensed hearing care professionals (Audiologists) to investigate your exposure to environmental noise, experience any symptoms of noise-induced hearing difficulties and potential hearing loss.
Also, if you have concerns and questions regarding which noise protection you would best benefit from, please reach out to Hearing Excellence.
Contact info
Hearing Excellence is a full-service hearing clinic serving patients across southwest Ontario, including Downtown Toronto, Whitby, Woodbridge-Vaughan, Scarborough, Oakville, and Burlington.
