Copyright (c) 2010 Jamie Lyons
The centrality of hearing to our everyday existance cannot be understated. Auditory sensation is one of the core tools we have with which to experience the world around us. Given its importance, the extent to which we abuse the mechanisms of hearing are quite shocking.
The maximum volume achievable in air is 194dB (decibels), this is a level which you are never going to personally experience unless at the site of an exploding volcano, although if you have ever fired a shotgun you may have experienced volume at a none too distant level of 165dB!
Putting these massive figures aside, damage can be caused at any level from 85dB: which is equivalent to heavy traffic or a hair dryer- if exposed to the sound for in excess of 8 hours. Evidently given the long exposure time, this doesn't pose too immediate or major a threat. There are however examples which are far more worrying. Listening to music through headphones is a particularly concerning instance, especially given the proliferation of personal mp3 players in recent years. iPods for instance historically had a maximum volume in excess of 110 dB, at this level permanent damage can occur in less than 2 minutes: less than the length of one song.
Thankfully, Apple have recently acquiesced to governmental decrees on maximum volume and have limited devices to levels dictated by the relevant powers in most countries.
Even at their previous, unrestricted volumes however, mp3 players hardly come close to the volume levels commonly reached at rock concerts, which can range from 110dB to a staggering 140dB. At levels in excess of 130dB, pain is not uncommon and immediate damage to hearing a very real possibility. As a consequence of this, not only is it absolutely imperative that musicians take measures to protect themselves from frequent exposure to the volume levels reached at live performances but also that those in the crowd take measures to prevent potential damage.
The same concerns affect motorcyclists, who are often exposed to volumes in the region of 100dB when on the road and those who use power tools, which in some cases emit up to 120dB when in operation. There are a vast range of instances in which individuals may be exposed to sound levels which threaten auditory health.
In order to protect your hearing and prevent future damage there are two simple options, the first of which: reduce the volume, hence minimise the force with which air vibrates the ear drum, is singularly effective, but in many situations beyond our capability! In situations and environments which don't allow us to control volume, ear defence with high quality ear defenders is imperative. Unlike the unwieldy large headgear of the past, ear protection is now extremely discreet and incredibly advanced. In addition, rather than just minimising the sound allowed to pass into the ear, many modern devices are able to block specific frequencies allowing conversation in areas of high background noise, whilst still protecting the user.
Despite the imposition of legal restrictions in some scenarios: such as the responsibility of employers to provide ear defenders to workers in industires which regularly involve exposure to high volumes,generally the preservation of one's hearing falls to the individual. Considering this, it is prudent to consider ear defenders.
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Jamie Lyons of Web Vitality SEO Manchester in conjunction with JustEars.org - Leading supplier of ear defenders and hearing aids.
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