Excessive Noise: The Not-So-Silent Killer
by Dr. Suzanne Long
Published in Ozarks Farm and Neighbor
November 2008
Excessive noise exposure is a part of many people’s everyday lives. Excessive noise can have damaging hearing effects, as well as damaging physical and psychological effects. However, the resulting hearing loss is 100% preventable with the simple, consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs).
What is excessive noise?
Noise comes in many forms, from the quiet hum of the refrigerator fan (40 dBA, a weighted decibel measure) to a jet engine taking off (190 dBA). The louder the noise, the quicker damage can occur and the quicker hearing loss can result. Businesses are well aware of the dangers of excessive noise because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires a hearing conservation program if noise levels reach 85 dBA. However, who is responsible for your hearing health when you're at home? It’s you! There are many sources of excessive noise around your home, such as power tools, tractors, lawn mowers, firearms, loud music, and fireworks. Many tractors now have cabs, which decrease the user’s exposure to loud engine noise. However, don’t forget about the cab’s radio, which can add 3-5 dBA.
Common sources of excessive noise and average volumes:
- Tractor without cab: 92 dBA
- Tractor with cab: 76 DBA (84 dBA if you leave the door open)
- Chainsaw: 106 dBA to you and 96 dBA to others around you
- ATV: 92 dBA
- Rifle: 140-160 dBA (depending on the caliber)
- Lawn mower: 97 dBA
- Bench grinder: 99 dBA
- Personal music player: 93 dBA at 1/2 volume
Excessive noise effects
Signs that you are subjecting your ears to excessive noise and causing damage include ringing in the ears, feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled sounds, and turning up the radio or TV later in the day. In addition to hearing effects, excessive noise also affects you physically and psychologically. Physically, it can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, tiredness, dulling of the senses, muscle tension, and digestive issues. Psychologically, it can increase stress levels, irritability, reduced efficiency, sleep disturbances, and lack of concentration leading to injury.
How to protect yourself from excessive noise
You can combat excessive noise in several ways, the simplest of which is to avoid sources of noise. OSHA says you must limit yourself to no more than eight hours of unprotected work with noise levels of 90 dBA. In many instances avoiding noise is not an option, especially when working on a farm. If you cannot avoid or limit your exposure to excessive noise, hearing protection is recommended.
Several types of hearing protection devices (HPDs) are available and, when used as recommended, can be quite effective. HPDs come in two main categories: earplugs and earmuffs. You may find a variety of kinds of both, but the main thing to look for in hearing protection is the noise reduction rating (NRR)—the higher the NRR, the greater the protection. If used properly, common yellow ear foam plugs can achieve a reduction of 33 dBA. However, many users do not insert them fully, which lessens the effectiveness. Earplugs can be fully inserted in three easy steps:
- Roll the earplug between your finger and thumb until very thin.
- Reach over your head with the opposite hand and pull up and back on your ear. This will straighten the ear canal for best results.
- Insert the earplug and hold it in place with your finger for 20-30 seconds, allowing time for the earplug to expand but not expand out of your ear.
If you find standard earplugs too uncomfortable, you may order custom earplugs through a hearing healthcare provider such as Freeman Hearing Center. An impression is taken and earplugs ordered specifically for your ear shape and size. Variations of custom earplugs include those for hunters and musicians, which have a built-in filter that lets certain sounds in but blocks out loud sounds. Custom earplugs are reusable, unlike the standard foam plugs, but they come with a higher price tag.
Excessive noise exposure is something all of us have experienced. While we may not be able to do anything about the source of the noise, there is no excuse for not protecting ourselves. Noise-induced hearing loss can result with even one occurrence of excessive noise (like a firecracker) and can last a lifetime. Remember to protect yourself every time you are around excessive noise.
About Dr. Suzanne Long
Dr. Suzanne Long is an audiologist at Freeman Hearing Center, 931 East 32nd Street, Joplin, Missouri. For an appointment or additional information, please call 417.347.3746 or 800.322.3637.