What are the maximum noise levels?
There is increasing awareness and regulation in terms of maximum permissible sound levels at festivals or nightclubs, for example. Usually, this standard is set at 103 decibels and there are efforts by advocacy groups to get this even lower. It is best to ensure you have good earplugs if you go to a venue where you know there will be loud music. This could be a festival or a discotheque, but also an ordinary party where the music is loud. You don’t have to worry that this will be 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 around 100 decibels, sound no longer feels pleasant. However, this is very personal; the limit is different for everyone. If noise no longer sounds pleasant, it is wise to take measures to ensure that the noise level decreases somewhat. Nor is 50 decibels 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 aircraft 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 variants available. For instance, you can opt for earplugs specially made for loud music, which still allow sound to pass through but attenuate the number of decibels. You can also opt for real closing earplugs, for instance 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 is 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 possible to prevent this, as 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 an audiologist. They can do a measurement to test the quality of your ears and possibly fit a hearing aid.
How do I find a good audiologist?
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. It is therefore advisable to contact an audiologist if you have problems or suspect problems. If you read reviews on 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. This way, you can first sound out whether the company feels right for you and whether you want to continue the process.
