What are the maximum sound levels?
There is increasing awareness and regulation in the area of maximum permitted sound levels at festivals or nightclubs, for example. Usually this standard is set at 103 decibels, and efforts are being made by advocacy groups to get this even lower. It is best to make sure you have good earplugs if you are going to a location where you know there will be loud music. This can be a festival or a nightclub, but also a regular party where the music is loud. You don’t have to worry that this is out of tune, more and more people are using earplugs and these make the sound softer but you can still understand each other well.
When is sound too loud?
It is generally accepted that from about 100 decibels sound is no longer comfortable. However, this is very personal and everyone has a different limit. If sound is no longer pleasant, it is wise to take measures to ensure that the sound level decreases somewhat. It is also not true that 50 decibels is half as loud as 100 decibels. With every 10 decibels, sound is about twice as loud. So the difference between 100 and 110 decibels is very big and can also mean a big difference in the impact on your health. From 120 decibels, sound becomes painful and therefore really dangerous. Then you have to think about the level of an airplane engine you are standing near.
What can I do to prevent hearing damage?
As discussed earlier, there are very good earplugs on the market that are widely used. You can have these custom-made or order them ready-made. There are many varieties available. For example, you can choose earplugs that are specially made for loud music, which still let sound through but attenuate the number of decibels. You can also choose true locking earplugs, for example if you are going to use tools that make a lot of noise. Also be sure to pay attention when setting off fireworks or if you are at risk of loud bangs. That’s where acute hearing damage is most likely to occur.
What can I do if I have suffered hearing damage?
Research has shown that a large proportion of people are at risk of temporary or even permanent hearing damage. It is very important to do everything you can to prevent it, because the damage is often irreversible. This is partly because common problems such as tinnitus are not directly in the ear, but in the brain. As a result, there are no cures for them. However, you can often prevent further deterioration by protecting yourself properly. Always contact a professional if you suffer from hearing problems. If you suffer from hearing loss, you can contact a hearing care professional. They can take a measurement to test the quality of your ears and possibly fit a hearing aid.
How do I find a good hearing care professional?
It is very important to take your hearing and the quality of your ears seriously. It is an important part of your health and well-being. If you can no longer hear well it detracts from your quality of life. This is why it is advisable to contact an audiologist if you have problems or suspect problems. If you read reviews about different audiologists beforehand, you will get a good idea of the experience of previous customers. In addition, most offer the option of making a no-obligation appointment first. That way you can first gauge whether the company feels right for you and whether you want to pursue the process further.
