What did you do this weekend? Any home projects? Did you set tile or build a garden fence? Tackling home projects over the weekend, also known as the “Do It Yourself” approach may save a bit of money, but are these brave warriors risking their hearing in the process?
Perhaps. According to Deafness Research UK, some power tools can reach decibel levels that would require hearing protection at the workplace. Unfortunately, people at home may not take this seriously. If you’ve never had a job where hearing protection was required, you might not know about the risks of noise-induced hearing loss.
If you are exposed to decibel levels above 85 for an extended period of time, you may be damaging your ears. Tiny little hair like cilia line the inner ear. They are responsible for receiving noise vibrations and sending these signals to the brain where they are interpreted. When loud noises damage these cilia, they cannot be repaired by the body. Overtime, this can lead to permanent, irreversible hearing damage.
Some power tools can reach over 90 decibels, meaning exposure to these tools may cause hearing damage if proper measures aren’t taken to reduce the damaging decibels.
Deafness Research UK lends the following advice for DIY folks and others who may be exposed to loud noises during leisure activities:
• Use earplugs. Earplugs can be unobtrusive and will not block out the sound of
music or conversation. In fact, by blocking the excess noise, they can improve
your ability to make out conversation and music. If worn correctly, earplugs can
reduce sound levels by between 15 and 35 dBA. Special earplugs are available
• Take regular breaks from the music or other noise source. Aim for at least ten
minutes’ break every hour.
• Give your ears time to recover after exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to a
100 dBA sound for around two hours requires at least 16 hours of rest for the
ears if the hearing loss is not to become permanent. A minority of people are
more sensitive and a longer period of rest may be required.
• Avoid standing too close to the speakers or other noise source.
• Don’t go to noisy places too often, and try less noisy pastimes.
Other leisure activities may require earplugs as well. There are many different types of earplugs to protect your hearing so you can enjoy your activities for many years!