Continued exposure to noise above 70 dBA (adjusted decibels) over time will cause hearing loss. The volume (dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound will tell you how harmful the noise is. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur.

If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection. A three dBA increase doubles the amount of noise, and halves the recommended amount of exposure time.

The following decibel levels of common noise sources are typical, but will vary. Noise levels above 140dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.

• 0 The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
• 10 normal breathing
• 20 whispering at 5 feet
• 30 soft whisper
• 50 rainfall
• 60 normal conversation
• 110 shouting in ear
• 120 thunder

Do your daily activities put you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss? Check out the list below and see if action is needed to protect your hearing from noise. Repeat exposure to noise at a level of just 70 dBA can cause permanent hearing issues. What can you do? Avoid noisy environments. And on those occasions where you can't distance yourself from the noise source, use hearing protection. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, yet entirely preventable.