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Noise
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Noise

Exposure to loud sounds over time can damage the inner ear and lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

Overview

Noise is all around you, from televisions and radios to lawn mowers and washing machines. Normally, you hear these sounds at safe levels that don't affect hearing. But sounds that are too loud or loud sounds over a long time are harmful. They can damage sensitive structures of the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss.

Risk Factors and Prevention

More than 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous sound levels on a regular basis. Hazardous sound levels are louder than 80 decibels, which is not as loud as traffic on a busy street. Listening to loud music, especially on headphones, is a common cause of noise-induced hearing loss. You can protect your hearing by:

  • Keeping the volume down when listening to music
  • Wearing earplugs when using loud equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

nswer 2: Early signs often include difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio more than others, or frequently asking people to repeat themselves. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, can also be an early indicator of noise damage.
nswer 4: For most everyday loud activities like mowing the lawn or using power tools, foam earplugs or earmuffs are effective. Look for products with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), typically 25-33 dB for earplugs and 20-30 dB for earmuffs. Custom-fitted earplugs are an option for frequent exposure or specific needs. Ensure a proper seal for maximum protection.
nswer 1: A good rule of thumb is that if you have to shout to be heard by someone standing an arm's length away, the noise level is likely hazardous (above 80-85 decibels). Other signs include ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after leaving a noisy environment, or muffled hearing that lasts for several hours.
nswer 3: Hearing damage from loud noise can be immediate and permanent, especially from very sudden, intense sounds (like an explosion). However, sometimes after exposure to loud but not extreme noise, you might experience temporary hearing loss or tinnitus that resolves within hours or days. Repeated or prolonged exposure, even to moderately loud sounds, can lead to permanent damage over time.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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