Many people associate hearing damage with huge, explosive sounds, but everyday life is often much noisier than it seems. Common sounds, like blow dryers, vacuums and lawnmowers, can creep past safe limits, gradually harming your hearing without you even noticing.
Understanding how loud these sounds are and how to monitor your exposure is key to protecting your ears long-term.
How We Measure Sound
We measure sound in decibels (dB). Here’s how some familiar noises stack up:
- Blow dryer: 60–95 dB
- Lawn mower: 65–95 dB
- Vacuum cleaner: 60–85 dB
- Earbuds at full volume: up to 112 dB
- Squeaky toy close to your ear: up to 135 dB
These sounds might seem harmless, but moderate exposure can add up over time. Consider using smartphone apps or wearable devices that monitor environmental noise in real-time. Knowing when sound levels cross into the danger zone empowers you to take action before damage occurs.
Common Culprits of Noise Exposure
Some of the loudest sounds you encounter may not come from obvious sources. Hair dryers often exceed the safe listening threshold, especially when used daily and close to the ear. Gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers can also be deceptively damaging. Even recreational noises, like a child’s squeaky toy or headphones cranked up too loud, threaten hearing health.
Being mindful of how often and for how long you’re exposed to loud environments is essential to long-term hearing health.
Protecting Your Ears in Daily Life
You don’t need to live in silence to preserve your hearing. Small adjustments make a big difference:
- Use hearing protection. Earplugs or earmuffs can reduce noise without preventing you from enjoying your favorite activities.
- Choose quieter alternatives. Opt for electric tools and low-density appliances when possible.
- Turn it down. Keep headphone volume below 80 dB and take listening breaks every hour.
- Create buffer zones. Keep noisy toys and tools away from your ears and avoid confined spaces that amplify sound.
By making hearing protection part of your daily routine, you’re taking an important step toward long-term ear health.
If you’re concerned about noise levels in your daily life or think your hearing may be changing, contact Davies Institute for Speech & Hearing for a comprehensive hearing evaluation and guidance on noise protection.