Too loud! Non-occupational noise exposure causes hearing loss

That occupational noise exposure causes hearing loss has long been known, but non-occupational was not recognized as a problem until the 1960s. Today, most Americans are regularly exposed to sufficient cause loss, perhaps because of an erroneous belief that 85-decibel exposure, based on standards, is safe for public without time limit. Common sources include personal audio systems, especially among young people; transit; social, sports, and entertainment venues; household appliances; power tools landscape maintenance equipment. As result, approximately 25% American adults age 20-69 have noise-induced 53% significant exposure. Why? The Equal Energy Hypothesis states equal amounts sound energy produce regardless how distributed over time. response non-linear, though, brief high-level exposures may disproportionate impacts hearing. How loud too loud? Auditory Injury Threshold only 75-78 A-weighted decibels. Environmental Protection Agency calculated time-weighted daily average 70 decibels prevent true level be 60 or lower. Recommendations made reduce