Sound is constant in our world, even in our own homes. Microwaves and alarms beeping, refrigerators humming, washing machines churning and televisions playing are all constant sources of noise in our daily lives. Most of these sounds are harmless, but some items around your home can reach high levels, possibly posing a danger to your hearing. 
Can Loud Noise Damage Hearing?
Yes, loud noise can damage hearing. Hearing loss is a complex condition with many possible causes, but exposure to loud noise is the second-leading cause, making noise-induced hearing loss very common. It’s estimated that as many as 40 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss due to loud noise.
Sound travels as sound waves, and louder sounds have bigger, more powerful sound waves. These giant sound waves can flatten and damage delicate cells in our ears, which are critical to our ability to hear.
Dangerous Decibel Levels
Sounds at 120 decibels (dB) and above hit your ears with a concussive smash, causing immediate and permanent damage. Sounds that reach 120 decibels include rock concerts, gunshots and fireworks—things you know are too loud, even in the moment.
However, hearing damage can occur starting at 85 decibels, and many things in our daily lives can reach 85 decibels. Rather than causing immediate damage, their danger lies in prolonged, continuous exposure, like a river wearing down a stone canyon over time. These sounds are deceptive because you might not even think that they are too loud, so you don’t take steps to protect your hearing.
What Items in My Home Can Get Too Loud?
Here are some examples of things in your home that might be too loud, without you realizing:
- Vacuum cleaner (70–85 dB)
- Heavy traffic (70–90 dB)
- Washing machine or dryer (70–90 dB)
- Garbage disposal (80–95 dB)
- Hair dryer (80–95 dB)
- Food processor (85–90 dB)
- Lawn mower (90 dB)
- Slamming a door (100 dB)
- Leaf blower or snow blower (100–110 dB)
Also consider electronic entertainment devices, such as watching TV or listening to music through headphones. These devices have a wide range of volumes, and at their maximum levels can reach as high as 110 decibels!
How Can I Protect My Hearing?
This information isn’t meant to make you stop using your washing machine or vacuum cleaner. We do encourage you to be mindful of noise levels that you might take for granted. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to use your garbage disposal for hours at a time (remember, the danger is in prolonged exposure), but if you bounce from using your hair dryer to your food processor to your lawn mower in rapid succession and find yourself immersed in elevated noise levels for long periods of time, it’s time to consider taking a break.
Also, keep volume levels down when you can control them, such as your headphones or TV. Try to keep them at 60% of their maximum volume
If you have any questions about hearing protection or noise-induced hearing loss, or if you suspect you have symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss and need a hearing test, contact Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center.