Approximately 10 million Americans live with permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Even more concerning, up to 17% of teens aged 12 to 19 show signs of NIHL in one or both ears. Noise exposure can damage hearing either from a single, extremely loud event—such as an explosion—or from repeated exposure over time. Common sources include headphones, earbuds, personal listening devices, and noisy work environments.
Many typical “sounds of summer,” including concerts, fireworks, motorcycles, sirens, and firearms, produce noise levels ranging from 95 to 150 decibels (dB). Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Click here to read more: Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Children