Are your ears safe? Spending 8 hours around noises above 85 decibels can permanently damage your hearing. Higher decibels are even more dangerous--for every 5 decibels, the amount of time it takes to damage hearing is cut in half. Noise at 90 decibels is only safe for 4 hours. Noise at 100 decibels is only safe for 1 hour. Extremely loud noises like gunshots (156 dB) and rock concerts (120 dB and higher) can cause permanent damage in only a few minutes.

Currently, noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss. There are three kinds of noise-induced hearing loss: temporary, permanent and accoustic trauma. The recent increase in noise pollution (car horns, jet planes, portable stereos, aerobics classes, lawn mowers, office equipment, surround sound systems and other new/loud technologies) may soon make noise-induced hearing loss the most common type of hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by a single exposure to an extremely loud sound, but it is more commonly the result of long-term exposure to everyday loud sounds. If you spend more than 8 hours per day near sounds above 85 decibels, take action to protect your hearing. Employers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have the responsibility, knowledge and resources to monitor and protect employee hearing.

Concerned your hearing might not be as good as it used to be? Click here to take a quick hearing quiz.