Most hearing loss or tinnitus caused by noise exposure is permanent – which can be a scary thought. But you can avoid unnecessary damage to your ears by taking some simple steps.
How noisy is too noisy?
Listening to any sound at a high volume – more than 89 decibels, or Db(A) – for more than five hours a week can damage hearing permanently over time.
What can I do?
The World Health Organisation (external link opens in a new window) says that noise exposure is the biggest cause of permanent hearing damage around the world – and it’s avoidable.
Listening to music at a loud volume is a common risk factor. Younger people in particular are damaging their hearing by not using earplugs at gigs, festivals and nightclubs, and by turning up the volume on their MP3 players to dangerous levels.
Find out more
Read our section on noise-induced hearing loss for information on noise at work, loud music and what steps you can take to protect your hearing.