The Importance of Hearing Health

When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum and bones inside the ear to vibrate. Tiny, sensitive hairs in our inner ear convert vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Your brain interprets these signals as sound
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Measuring Sounds

Even brief exposure to very loud sounds, such as at a concert, can cause temporary hearing loss. Long-term and repeated exposure to loud sounds can damage the hairs in our inner ear and lead to permanent hearing loss.

As sounds get louder, the amount of time you can be exposed to noise is greatly reduced. For example, you can hear city traffic noise (80dB) for 5.5 hours a day without any problems. However, you should not be exposed to motorcycle noise (90dB) for more than half an hour a day.

Sample Sound Levels

How Can You Protect Our Hearing?

​If you know you'll be exposed to high sound levels, there are easy ways to protect your hearing. Earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or moving to a quieter area are effective ways to protect our hearing and reduce exposure. It may also be helpful to rest your ears after prolonged exposure to loud sounds.