If you’re walking outside when an ambulance whizzes by, the sound of the siren can seem deafening. Sometimes, you may even need to cover your ears to muffle the stridulous (see definition below) racket.
Certain loud noises can actually cause hearing loss. This occurs when structures within your inner ear become damaged due to the noise. For example, sirens can reach 120 decibels (a measurement of sound intensity). At this level, hearing loss can occur in a matter of seconds.
Listening to portable music players at high volumes (above 85 decibels) for long periods can also threaten your hearing.
To play it safe, it’s a good idea to keep the volume at reasonable levels when listening to music. You can also protect your ears with earplugs or earmuffs when you’re exposed to loud noises in your surroundings.
To read more about the dangers of loud noises, consult the National Institutes of Health at: www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx
Speak your mind: Do you encounter any loud noises that could damage your hearing?
STRIDULOUS: Shrill, harsh or grating sound.
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