 The musician Huey Lewis is discussing his hearing loss with the world.
As a musician, there’s likely nothing more callous than losing your hearing. He was part of the ‘80s very successful pop rock bands Huey Lewis and the News and received nominations for several Grammy Awards. Towards the end of the 1980s, Lewis started experiencing problems with his hearing. He is now deaf. He and his old bandmates are releasing a 40th anniversary vinyl version of their “Sports” LP. "I can't hear music at all. I can't hear pitch at all,” said Lewis. “Even one note is out of tune with itself for me, so that's been a bitter pill and a hard pill to swallow. But you've got to move on in life. I have hearing aids in, and I'm Bluetoothing to the computer so I can hear you now. Without my hearing aids, I'm completely deaf." He recounted the moments when he first started noticing that his hearing was waning and how he was affected by the loss. “I lost my right side [of hearing] 35 years ago. When I lost my left side and couldn’t hear music anymore, it was traumatic. It was six months of pretty much lying in bed, just wondering, and trying different protocols and acupuncture and chiropractic and all-organic diets - no salt, low salt, all that stuff. And finally, thanks to my kids, you’ve got to move on.” Lewis said he didn’t want to wallow in sorrow and focused on other creative endeavors. He’s working on a musical he is deeply committed to called “The Heart of Rock & Roll” - even though his hearing is gone. Lewis also had an idea for a TV show, but there’s been a delay due to the writers’ strike. He said, "I remind myself that there are many, many others much worse off, and that’s important to remember. My life is not as good as it used to be when I could hear, but it’s still pretty good." Are you or a loved one beginning to notice hearing loss? Don’t wait to seek help. Contact Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation.  Noise-induced hearing loss is the only preventable type of hearing loss. Listening to sounds that are at least 70 decibels (dB) over an extensive amount of time can lead to hearing loss. Noise over 120 decibels can lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss.
Wearing earplugs is recommended, but not all earplugs are made to protect your ears from the same level of noise. This is why some people still experience hearing loss even when they wear protection for their ears. Scoring Earplugs According to the Noise Reduction Rating System (NRR), earplugs are scored on a scale. Each score equals the number of decibels that the earplugs block out. For example, 24 NRR will only protect 24 dB of sound. The most decibels that a pair of earplugs can block is 33 dB. On average, earplugs can block out 15-30 dB. If you wear a 24 NRR earplug while attending a rock concert (about 120 dB), you will still be exposed to 96 dB which can cause hearing loss. Here’s a guide to help you select earplugs based on your lifestyle. Are You Attending or Performing at a Rock Concert or a Concert with Loud Music? Performers and audience members should always wear hearing protection during a loud concert. As previously mentioned, the sound levels at an average rock concert can reach up to 120 dB. Classical music can reach 98 dB. Many musicians have complained about the music sounding distorted when wearing earplugs, which can obviously be a problem while trying to perform. As a result, many musicians have stopped wearing hearing protection. If they’ve stopped wearing hearing protection, now is the time for them to use it again. Earplug technology has made advancements. They can now equally reduce decibels, without distorting the music. There are earplugs specifically designed to protect the ears while listening to different music genres. Do You Use Power Tools? If you use power tools at home, you are probably being exposed to noise that can damage your hearing. Electric drills, sanders, and saws can create 95 to 120 dB when in use. A few hours of this noise exposure can lead to severe hearing loss. Make sure your earplugs have at least 15 NRR. Are You an Active Military Service Member? Anyone who serves in our military has the highest risk of noise exposure which can seriously damage hearing. About 7.5 percent of military service members reported having hearing loss after being deployed. Veterans reported having a significantly higher rate of hearing problems, like tinnitus. Make sure you are being provided with strong hearing protection. There are now earplugs that are advanced and military-improved; they feature two settings. The main setting lets users hear commands and other background noises. The other setting has an NRR 33 rating, which is the highest possible rating. This setting can keep your hearing safe through loud combat noises including gunfire and explosions. Do You attend Arenas to Watch Live Sports? Football stadiums can be a fun place to be, but they can also be very loud. One football game recorded 142.2 dB of noise from the crowd. That’s almost the same noise level as a firecracker. Temporary hearing loss can occur. There’s still a risk if you wear low-level earplugs. That’s why you should get hearing aids that withstand more substantial noises if you plan to attend a sports game. It’s important to protect your hearing. Choosing the proper hearing protection is crucial. If you see earplugs that are not specifically made for the activity that you are going to participate in, do some research to find out the maximum decibel level of the specified activity, and find earplugs that would be suitable for that decibel range. It only takes one very loud exposure to noise to cause permanent hearing loss. Preventative measures are easy and affordable. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing if you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss. Our offices also offer earplugs, so if you are planning an outing where it might be loud, stop by one of our office locations to purchase a pair of earplugs.  AC/DC’s singer-songwriter, Brian Johnson, was nearly filled with hopelessness after hearing problems drove him to leave the band’s 2016 tour Rock or Bust. Axl Rose replaced him.
Johnson shared in his new memoir, The Lives of Brian, that he had suicidal thoughts after leaving the tour or risked going deaf. Johnson mentioned during an interview with Rolling Stone that he had “pretty serious” issues with his hearing and could not hear the tone of the guitars while on stage. He remembered how painful it felt when he told his tour manager that he wouldn’t be able to perform for the rest of the tour. "I called Tim, the tour manager, on my mobile right there in the room to tell him that I just couldn't continue," Johnson reportedly writes. "It was one of the most difficult conversations of my life — the pain of it made worse over the weeks that followed when the tour simply went on without me. It was a sheer cliff. I didn't tumble down. I was in free fall." Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, replaced Johnson. He said Rose did a “great job” even though it was still a crushing ordeal. Before receiving support for his hearing problems, Johnson was “literally getting by on muscle memory and mouth shapes” while on stage. He said it felt “crippling” to be “standing there and not being sure” during performances. He had a small device that utilized the bone structure in the skull as a receiver. The device allowed him to return to performing on stage. AC/DC hasn’t done a tour since Rock or Bust, but Johnson joined the band again and recorded Power Up, their 2020 album. The surviving band members - Johnson, lead guitarist Angus Young, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd - were reunited. Malcolm Young passed away in 2017. Since 2014, his nephew Stevie Young has been performing in his place. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. To get help with your hearing loss, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. We also sell earplugs so you can protect your ears next time you go to a live concert.  Are you looking forward to live music performances coming to Lancaster County this summer? Or are you traveling out of the area to see your favorite musician or band? Do you enjoy listening to the banter in between songs from the singers?
Whether you’re a hearing aid user or not, prepare for your upcoming concert. Sometimes it can be challenging to hear at a comfortable and safe level. Most people with hearing loss face challenges with hearing higher frequencies. Therefore, some music or vocal ranges are difficult to hear. On the other hand, some live shows, like rock concerts, can be dangerously loud for people of any hearing range. Being part of the audience at a rock concert can create risks for everyone who doesn’t take precautions beforehand. According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 3 people between 65-74 and half of people older than 75 experience hearing loss. Standing too close to speakers can lead to hearing loss in minutes. Exposure to noise that reaches over 70 decibels (dB) for a prolonged period can harm your hearing. Noise over 120 dB can instantly damage your ability to hear. Tinnitus and hearing loss are common occurrences after attending a loud live concert. Sometimes it’s temporary, or it can last longer. Seek help immediately if you experience either of these symptoms. Before Leaving to Attend a Concert The JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery published a study in 2016 based on 51 concert attendees. They concluded that just 8 percent of concert-goers who donned earplugs with a noise reduction rate of 18 dB experienced noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) compared to 42 percent of those who did not wear earplugs. Just 12 percent of earplug users experienced tinnitus compared to 40 percent of nonusers after a 4 ½ hour concert. If you are ready to attend a concert, you’re in luck. Pure Sound Hearing has simple foam earplugs available in our offices. Selecting the Safest Seats or Standing Area for Your Hearing It doesn’t sound fun, but being further away from speakers or the stage would be safer. Staying about 500 feet away from anything that emits loud noise is safest. Giant speakers are usually on the stage, but sometimes they can be located in other spaces in the venue. You can contact the concert organizers to figure out which area is safest for you. Venues located outside can be safer because the sound doesn’t get trapped inside a confined space, as it does with an indoor venue. If Necessary, Take a Break Sometimes, if the sounds are overwhelming, temporarily move yourself to a quiet space - maybe you need to go outside the venue. You can rest your ears for as long as you need, which could help prevent hearing damage. Use a sound meter app to measure the noise levels in your environment. For Hearing Aid Users If you have hearing loss and use hearing aids, you probably want the best possible experience at a concert. In some cases, hearing aids might lead to a not-so-great listening experience. The devices have been designed with speech as the primary listening experience instead of music. Music has more ranges of frequencies than speech sounds that are difficult to reproduce with hearing aids. With newer hearing aid features, there can be a problem with how music is perceived. Feedback suppression or blocking out background noises may inadvertently suppress sounds from other instruments, so you’d miss out on a full experience. Talk to your hearing instrument specialist, who will demonstrate how to adjust your hearing aids’ volume setting while experiencing a live concert. You can also ask how to stop other features, like feedback suppression or noise reduction. Your hearing aids are programmable by your hearing instrument specialist with a “music setting” feature that automatically switches to this feature. Before traveling to your concert venue, find out if it has a hearing loop system. This sound system is available in most public spaces that connect to people’s hearing aids or assistive listening devices. If you experience hearing loss and need hearing aids, schedule an appointment with Pure Sound Hearing for a hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers in Elizabethtown, Lititz, or Strasburg.  The Apple Watch has a feature that lets users measure the decibel levels in their surroundings. This lets you keep clear of loud environments or gives you a chance to learn about the importance of wearing ear protection to avoid hearing loss or additional hearing loss. But what is considered too loud?
The Hearing Health Foundation considers normal conversations to be about 60 decibels (dB). These noises do not have a maximum time limit in regard to hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is not recommended to be exposed to noises that reach at least 70 dB for a prolonged period of time. Examples of noises that are 70 dB or more: A vacuum cleaner or a home washing machine reaches 70 dB. Heavy traffic reaches 80-90 dB. Electric power tools or gas-powered lawnmowers reach 90 dB. A motorcycle engine that’s running can reach 100 dB. Playing music at the highest volume through earbuds or headphones can reach up to 105 dB. Live rock concerts can reach up to 110 dB. An emergency vehicle siren can reach up to 120 dB. A jet engine when it’s taking off from a runway or fireworks can reach up to 140 dB. If you are not sure if a noise level is dangerous, you can open the app to measure your surroundings and see what it picks up. The Noise app allows users to set a decibel threshold and get a notification if their surroundings reach or go past that threshold. If you plan to stay in a loud area for an extended period of time, wear earplugs before entering these environments. Take breaks away from these locations, if necessary. Those who are experiencing hearing loss can contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers.  If you need tips to improve your hearing health, look no further. We’ve got simple resolutions to guide you through a better hearing lifestyle.
1. Get a Hearing Test Hearing loss is a gradual process. No matter how good your hearing is, you should get your hearing regularly tested to detect possible deterioration. As soon as you notice anything wrong with your hearing, book a test immediately. Getting into the habit of scheduling a hearing test will help you in the long run. Most people with hearing loss wait five to 10 years before seeking a hearing test or treatment. Anyone over 60 years of age should get an annual hearing test. Adults under 60 should pay close attention to their hearing health and get a test every few years. 2. Pay Attention to Signs of Hearing Loss Don’t neglect any problems you encounter with hearing loss. It can get worse without any intervention from a hearing healthcare professional. Like other health problems, early treatment will make your hearing easier to manage. That may include using and adjusting to hearing aids, which can slow the loss. Common signs of hearing loss include the inability to distinguish others speaking in a particular space, especially when there is too much background noise. Do others need to repeat themselves around you? Maybe you have been raising the volume on the TV or stereo system. If everyone else can hear without a problem, then you have a problem. If these scenarios have come up in your life, you may have a problem with your hearing. Hearing loss can impact your overall well-being and health. Many people with untreated hearing loss have reported experiencing anxiety, depression, dementia, and trouble accomplishing tasks - which can affect their income. 3. Wear Hearing Protection in Loud Environments Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common among elders. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is another common cause and the only preventable type. NIHL occurs due to one very loud exposure to noise or a series of risks to loud noise exposure. A construction site, power tools, a concert, or a sports stadium can be blaring. The only way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is by wearing earplugs or ear muffs to block dangerous noise levels. Listen to music, podcasts, or videos at a safe volume. Dangerous volume levels playing through your earbuds mean the audio is so loud that it’s drowning out the noise around you. If you can’t hear some background noise, turn down the volume. Take breaks every thirty to sixty minutes between listening to rest your ears and brain. 4. Take Care of Your Overall Health Your general health and hearing health are intertwined. Your diet affects your heart health, your weight, and your ears. Taking the proper vitamins will keep your ears and overall health in check. Regular exercises are crucial. When you exercise, your heart pumps and helps circulate blood throughout your body - including your ears. It helps to protect you from age-related hearing loss. Poor habits like smoking and the overconsumption of alcohol inhibit blood flow throughout the body, which harms your ears. If you or a loved one experience hearing loss or other problems with hearing, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  The strength of noise can affect your hearing. The only way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is by avoiding loud environments or protecting your ears with earplugs or ear muffs.
If you or others must shout in order to hear each other at a close range, this indicates that you are in a dangerous environment for your ears. Hearing loss may occur immediately or gradually based on sensitivity and volume level. 4 Tips to Safeguard Your Hearing
Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss in Private and Public Spaces In the home
In public spaces
Protecting your Hearing during Pregnancy as well as for Infants and Children If you are pregnant or have small children, the same precautions listed above apply to you and your children. Preventing your body from coming in direct contact with the sound source (vibrations) while pregnant, is also crucial to avoid. Be aware of loud toys that you let your children or grandchildren use. Keep an eye out for Noise Reduction Ratings All hearing protection features noise reduction ratings. It is generally found on a label on the device’s container (it might read “NRR”). This tells users the amount of protection the devices are capable of providing. Noise reduction ratings are measured using decibels (dB). Most hearing protection have ratings between 0 dB to 35 dB. The term noise reduction rating refers to the “best case” rating which is measured in a laboratory. The sound reduction that the protection provides might actually be significantly less. Choose the best hearing protection that suits you and your needs. Ask yourself these three questions:
Selecting the Hearing Protection that’s Right for You You should consider personal preferences when it comes to comfort level and where you plan on wearing it. The efficiency of hearing protection depends on whether you wear it consistently and correctly. Earmuffs, earplugs, and customized devices are the most common types of hearing protection. Earplugs Earplugs give users an air-tight seal around the ear canal. These are reasonably priced, effective, and simple to use. They come in the following styles:
Earmuffs Most people will be able to find an earmuff that fits them from the variety of styles that are available. Noise is blocked out when the muffs completely cover the outer ear. Some earmuffs feature electronic elements to allow users to communicate, obstruct sound vibrations, or block out background noises. Earmuffs may not be suitable for people with heavy beards, sideburns, or eyeglasses (these can make a gap of space between the earmuff cushioning and your head). If you need foam earplugs, stop by one of our Pure Sound Hearing office locations. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss from exposure to loud noise, or any other reason, please schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss creates the inability to discern specific sound frequencies, the inability to hear when there’s too much background noise, mishearing things that are said and can create confusion and frustration in others that are asked to repeat themselves. Hearing loss is sometimes sudden or gradual. Babies can be born with hearing loss (congenital hearing loss). Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) can occur in older people. Some hearing problems can be treated and prevented.
Let’s Define Hearing Loss Hearing loss is, essentially, the inability to hear as well as someone who has healthy, normal hearing abilities. Healthy ears have a hearing threshold of 20 dB or better in each ear. If you can’t hear at these decibels, you have some range of hearing loss. This can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. One or both ears can be affected, and it causes challenges when listening to conversational speech or loud sounds. The Prevalence of Hearing Loss At least 1 in 10 Americans experience some range of hearing loss. It's the most common type of sensory processing disorder. These disorders impact how your brain processes information through the senses (hearing, tasting, touching, and seeing.). What Population of the World Has Hearing Loss? No matter what age, gender, ethnicity, or race you are, anyone can have hearing loss. One in 3 individuals who are over 65 has this health problem. About 50 percent of people over the age of 75 have hearing loss. Nearly 2 in 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss. It is a very common birth defect. Causes of Hearing Loss Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. The exposure can occur quickly and suddenly or slowly happen after being around dangerous noise levels for an extensive period. For example, being within close range of a loud blast from fireworks or a firearm can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Long-term exposure to noise from work environments such as construction zones, orchestras, war zones, or farms can create high risks of NIHL. One of the primary work-related health problems in the U.S. is occupational hearing loss. Always be prepared. Carry earplugs everywhere with you and put them on. You never know whether you'll be exposed to dangerous noise levels or not. Additional risk factors for hearing loss:
Symptoms of Hearing Loss Due to the gradual nature of some types of hearing loss, you may not notice until it’s a significant amount of loss. Pain is usually uncommon with hearing loss. Instead, you may experience the following:
Children with hearing loss may show the following signs:
Types of Hearing Loss Unilateral and bilateral hearing loss may occur. It would be based on where your hearing system has deteriorated. Conductive: This type of hearing loss is the result of an obstruction that prevents sound from traveling through the outer ear (ear canal) or middle ear (where three tiny ear bones known as the malleus, incus, and stapes are located). The obstruction may have been caused by an ear infection, impacted earwax, or fluid found in the ear. Loud noises may sound muffled, and you may find softer sounds harder to hear. Sensorineural: The inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve is affected by hearing loss. It is usually caused by exposure to noise, diseases, or aging. Children commonly experience this type of hearing loss at birth. It may be caused by trauma that occurred during childbirth, head injuries, or infections. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices are helpful for this type of hearing loss. Mixed: A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss may occur in some people. It can be caused by a genetic condition, head injury, or infection. You might need different treatments for each type of hearing loss. Deafness vs. Hearing Loss A person who is deaf can’t hear very much or at all. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices won’t be useful. Sign language/an interpreter or written/typed words would be used to communicate. Someone with hearing loss can still hear conversations and participate in them. Hearing aids or assistive listening devices can be used to help with communication. If you suspect that you or a loved one has hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Our hearing aid specialists pass a state exam and receive state licenses to conduct hearing tests. They are also professional hearing aid fitters who will properly fit and program your hearing aids so that you will get the most out of the devices.  Exposure to noises can quickly or gradually worsen a person’s hearing health. It only takes a single loud noise, like fireworks going off near your ears, to cause damage to your hearing. If the sound is very loud, your hearing can be lost instantly. Repeated and extensive exposure to loud sounds can lead to severe hearing loss.
Here’s a list of loud noises that you may regularly be exposed to. If you don’t already do so, wear earplugs or ear muffs whenever you are around these noises. Daily Activities
Entertainment Events
Tools and other Loud Noise Sources
Common Noises and their Decibel Levels Sound is measured through decibels (dB). They can be measured through a decibel meter app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. The average human whisper is just 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a running motorcycle engine can reach up to 95 dB. Any noise reaching at least 70 dB can damage hearing if you are exposed to it for an extensive period. Noise over 120 dB can immediately harm your ears and hearing health. Examples of Everyday Noises and How Loud They Are The sounds at these levels usually do not damage hearing. Softest sounds heard by the human ear: 0 dB Normal breathing: 10 dB Ticking watch: 20 dB Soft whisper: 30 dB Refrigerator hum: 40 dB Normal conversational voice, air conditioner: 60 dB These noises may cause minor irritation. Washing machine, dishwasher: 70 dB These noises may cause more irritation. Heavy city traffic (while in a car): 80-85 dB This noise may cause a lot of irritation. Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers: 80-85 dB A person’s hearing may become damaged after 2 hours of exposure. Motorcycles: 95 dB After 50 minutes of exposure, a person may experience hearing loss. An oncoming subway train, a car horn that is 16 feet away, or a sporting (football) event in an arena: 100 dB Hearing loss may occur after at least 15 minutes of exposure. The maximum volume level for a personal listening device, TV, or loud entertainment venue: 105 - 110 dB Hearing loss may occur in less than 5 minutes of exposure Shouting or barking in the ear: 110 dB Hearing loss may occur within less than 2 minutes of exposure. Being near sirens: 120 dB May experience pain and ear injury in addition to hearing loss. Fireworks: 140 - 150 dB May experience pain and ear injury in addition to hearing loss. If you have hearing loss that was caused by dangerous noise levels, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Today is the 28th annual celebration of International Noise Awareness Day. This day is recognized in order to raise awareness about potential harm that noise can cause to hearing, health, and overall quality of life. It's meant to create changes that need to be made within your community when it comes to harmful noise and taking care of your hearing.
Participants are encouraged to safely organize noise awareness activities within your local community. You may also bring attention to it through social media posts with hashtags like:
The main message that International Noise Awareness Day wants to get across is: Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health! If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, get in touch with one of our hearing aid providers at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  These days, noises almost constantly surround us. It can range from the harmless but seemingly endless tapping on a keyboard in our workspace to louder noises from traffic or construction zones that can damage our hearing. Hearing loss, tinnitus, or struggling to hear or communicate with others when there’s too much background noise are common problems for people with damaged hearing.
There’s no cure for permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It’s crucial to either decrease your exposure to noise by lowering the volume on devices, moving to a quieter area, or reducing the exposure time to that noise. If that is not possible, wear hearing protection. There are many different colors, materials, sizes, and styles of hearing protection, so we’ve got a guide to help you select the best option for your unique listening experiences. 1. What is the Amount of Noise Reduction Needed for the Average Person? Noise that reaches above 70 decibels (dB) for a prolonged period might begin to harm your hearing. Noise over 120 dB can instantly impact your ears and the ability to hear. First, select hearing protection that will intercept enough noise to lower your exposure to safe listening levels. Most industrial settings are under 95 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or sound levels recommended for healthy listening. Workers need 15 dB of noise reduction to be safe from harmful noises. The average hearing protection can provide 10 dB of sound reduction, do some research to find something that can cover the 15 dB. If you’re uncertain about the noise levels at your worksite, use a decibel meter app. Louder environments require better noise reduction, but it’s important not to block out too much noise. You still need to be aware of your surroundings. Too much protection for your ears might require you to remove your earplugs or earmuffs to hear others or listen to your equipment. Try getting enough noise reduction to lower your exposure to 75-85 dBA. There is a Noise Reduction Rating found on the packaging of hearing protection. It represents the range of noise obstructed by the hearing protector when tested in a lab, but workers tend to have significantly less noise reduction while on the job. Find out how much noise reduction you receive from a piece of hearing protection by getting fit-tested. If fit-testing is unavailable at your workplace, you can figure out the fit of the earplugs by talking out loud while gently cupping and uncupping your hands over your ears. A good fit should mean that your voice sounds nearly the same when you cup and uncup your ears. You should wear double hearing protection when exposed to noises that reach 100 dBA or more (like chainsaws or jackhammers) or noises that make impulsive sounds (like a nail gun or gunshot). 2. Consider Your Workplace and Tasks Performed on the Job Your job and work environment should affect your decision when finding the proper hearing protection. Do you wear other things on your head to protect yourself, like safety glasses, a hard hat, or a respirator? Eye protection and eyeglasses can prevent a sealed earmuff over the ear, letting noises enter the ear. Earmuffs can make hard hats or helmets challenging to wear effectively. Some earmuffs feature a discreet headband or fit directly onto a hard hat or helmet. Be sure to don hearing protection that safeguards against other safety equipment used in your workplace. Think about how frequently you get exposed to noises and how often there are breaks in between the noises. Earmuffs are more convenient to remove and replace than earplugs, so wearing them may be better for recurring noises. Another option can be customized earplugs, which may be easier to remove and replace than foam plugs. Are your hands consistently getting dirt and grime on them while working? Earplugs need to be rolled smaller with clean fingers before insertion. Unless you have a washing facility that is convenient to visit or you have time to wash your hands before inserting the earplugs, use earmuffs instead. Do you need to hear others while wearing hearing protection? Flat attenuation hearing protectors may be helpful. Special communication headsets that support speech and communication while working in a loud environment are available. 3. Comfort and Convenience When you select hearing protection that works best for you, wear them consistently and correctly when exposed to loud noises. Find something that fits comfortably but is still convenient to carry around. Disposable earplugs are the primary choice for hearing protection. You can wear them for an extensive amount of time and in any environment. They are easy to store, light in weight, and can be kept on hand when you have an unexpected exposure. There are a variety of sizes, so pick one that’s right for you. There are small foam earplugs that are inexpensive. You should only wear disposable earplugs once and then toss them out. The ears and earplugs are a breeding ground for bacteria due to moisture, warmth, and dirt becoming trapped in the ear canals. Reusing dirty earplugs can cause severe ear infections. Earmuffs are generally one-size. They are easier to put over the ears and properly fit consistently. They are easier to remove and replace, and most use them intermittently. Good hearing health needs proper hearing protection and knowledge about selecting hearing protection, so use this guide before making a final decision. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  You may not think that you have any form of hearing loss. It’s usually subtle, except in severe cases. You may have hearing loss and not realize it, especially if it’s in the high-frequency range.
There are two different frequencies: high-frequency and low-frequency. A person with high-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing sounds between 2000-8000 Hz. Some examples of these sounds include birds chirping, children’s voices, and high-pitched instruments like flutes or violins. A person with low-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing 2000 Hz or lower sounds. Some noise examples include a large dog’s bark or low-pitched instruments like the tuba. Hearing loss in low-frequencies is also known as reverse-slope hearing loss. Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss High-frequency hearing loss is common among people with loss of hearing. The causes of this particular hearing loss include:
Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss One of both ears can be affected by high-frequency hearing loss. The range of severity is as different as the symptoms. Some may not notice it, while others see a significant change. Here are the most common signs to observe:
Are There Preventative Measures to Avoid High-Frequency Hearing Loss? Like noise-induced hearing loss, the only way to prevent high-frequency hearing loss is by avoiding loud settings and wearing proper hearing protection when necessary. If you cannot hear someone speaking to you within arm’s length, this means your environment is too loud. Aging and genetic factors can also cause high-frequency hearing loss, making it unavoidable for some people. Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss A pure tone screening test determines whether you or a loved one have high-frequency hearing loss. The test will have a range of various frequencies played for the patient to listen to and identify. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and pure tone screening. There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but a hearing aid can help manage your symptoms. Our specialists at Pure Sound Hearing will be able to guide you through your treatment options and recommend hearing aids if necessary.  There are sounds all around us, in every environment, and from the people who communicate with us. Think of the sounds that you can’t miss. Perhaps it’s the sound of a loved one’s voice, your favorite music, or critical instructions from a medical provider. Think about the people you want to reconnect with and the special moments by incorporating these tips into your journey towards better hearing.
Regular Exercises Obesity is related to hearing loss. The heart must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, including your ears. Simply walking or practicing a more rigorous exercise routine can help with your overall health, which impacts your hearing health. Take Advantage of the Technology Concerns about alerting systems when you have difficulty with hearing are common among people with hearing loss. Modern technology can transform your doorbells, smoke alarms, and timers into flashing lights or vibrations. Smartphones may stream audio straight to your hearing aids while providing captioned videos or flash visual alerts for incoming calls. Hearing aids can also translate other languages through a captioning app. The Loop System Throughout the U.S., most public spaces, such as museums and theaters, have a hearing loop built into their venues. This allows your hearing aid devices to wirelessly connect through the t-coil setting in your hearing aid. Participating sites should feature a hearing loop logo on the building. Protect Your Hearing About 466 million people around the world have hearing loss. This includes 34 million children. The primary and only preventable cause of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). So if you are at a loud concert, watching live fireworks go off, riding a snowmobile, or using loud power tools, limit your exposure by wearing hearing protection or taking breaks in between these boisterous spaces. Caption Call Do you have difficulty hearing during a conversation over the phone? You might be approved for a landline phone that displays captions as the person speaks on the other line. In some participating states, this telephone is free if a qualified hearing care provider certifies that you have hearing loss and would benefit from using the phone. The caption call phone also works with hearing aids. You just need a standard phone line and connection to the internet. Users can add captions to their smartphones and tablet. Get a Hearing Test Making a hearing test is simple. Why not schedule one for the entire household? Adults should get their hearing tested annually or more often if they notice something wrong with their hearing. Early detection is key to early intervention, which can help significantly in the long run. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  This year, March Madness starts on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, and ends on Monday, Apr 3, 2023. With basketball season gearing up, we want to raise awareness about attending live sporting events and hearing health. Whether you plan to attend a live game in the arena, from the comfort of your home, or with friends and family at a bar, make sure you take care of your hearing.
Did you score tickets to see the game live? Lucky you! Before you go, make sure you bring some earplugs. Sports reporters have measured noise levels at an NBA game that reached 109 decibels (dB). Remember, 70 dB is the new threshold for hearing loss. Anything over that number can be dangerous. Check the concession stand to find out if they sell earplugs. The level of noise at sports bars can be just as loud. Professionals in the hearing health industry attended popular sports bars during the playoff seasons and measured these noise levels. The average decibels can reach up to 70 dB - similar to a vacuum cleaner. When there was a pivotal moment during the game, the noises went up to 110 dB - equivalent to a jackhammer. It is customary for construction workers to wear hearing protection when operating this tool. In 2014, fans from Kansas City made noises that reached 142.2 dB. It set a new Guinness World Record. That is louder than a jet plane. An extensive amount of exposure can lead to physical pain and do serious harm to your ears. Protect Your Hearing Instead of skipping out on the fun, here are some tips to protect yourself:
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing hearing loss, please contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  You can experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from one encounter with a loud noise (like a roaring fire alarm). When sounds are too loud, it doesn’t take very long for hearing loss to follow. The longer a person is exposed to the noise, the more risk there is of hearing loss. It’s especially true if you don’t wear protection for your hearing or if there’s no break in between the exposures.
Here are some examples of loud noises to which you may be vulnerable. Daily Life
Entertainment
Power Tools and Miscellaneous
Typical Sources of Noise and Decibel Levels Decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement of sound. A soft voice is approximately 30 dB, a conversation in a normal tone is about 60 dB, and the running engine on a motorcycle is about 95 dB. Noise that surpasses 70 dB for an extensive amount of time could begin to harm your hearing. Any noise over 120 dB can instantly damage your hearing abilities. Here are some examples of everyday noises and their decibel levels. These sounds generally do not cause hearing loss: The softest sound heard by humans: 0 dB Normal breathing: 10 dB The ticking noise from a watch: 20 dB Whispers: 30 dB Refrigerator hum: 40 dB Normal conversation, air conditioner: 60 dB Washing machine and dishwasher: 70 dB - may cause a mild disturbance. City traffic (while inside a vehicle): 80-85 dB - may cause more disturbance. The following sounds can cause hearing loss: Gas-powered lawnmower/leaf blowers: 80-85 dB - may damage hearing after a 2-hour exposure. Motorcycle: 95 dB - may damage hearing after a 50-minute exposure. Oncoming subway, train, or car horn within 16 feet, and crowded sports arena: 100 dB - may damage hearing after 15 minutes. The highest volume level for personal listening devices; a TV, a smartphone; and establishments for entertainment (bars, clubs, rock concerts): 105-110 dB - may damage hearing within 5 minutes or less. Yelling or a dog barking in your ear: 110 dB - may damage hearing in 2 minutes or less. Being near loud sirens: 120 dB - can cause ear pain and injury, in addition to hearing loss. Firecrackers going off: 140-150 dB - can lead to pain, ear injury, and hearing loss. How can you determine which sound levels are safe? The impact of low noise levels over an extended time is the same as loud noises heard over a shorter time. You can use a sound level meter (SLM) app to measure noise levels in your environment. Some apps can predict the maximum amount of noise you can handle daily. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend keeping environmental noises lower than 70 dBA over 24 hours - that’s 75 dBA over 8 hours - to avoid noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing problems, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Tinnitus symptoms become triggered for different reasons in each person. It can range from poor sleeping habits to your diet. We’re sharing some foods to avoid along with lifestyle changes that can help make symptoms more manageable.
Ototoxic Foods Certain foods and eating habits can directly impact your overall health. A diabetic with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels follows a specific diet. Most are unfamiliar with ototoxic foods. Ototoxicity refers to the harmful effects on the ears that certain substances (like foods or medications) can induce. If you have problems with your ears and/or hearing health, you should avoid these substances. Some foods are good for protecting your ears. These foods are rich in folic acid, Omega 3, and Vitamin C. some foods are harmful to the ears. Which Foods can be Harmful to Your Hearing Health Hearing healthcare providers urge anyone with hearing problems to cut down their consumption of the following:
4 Bad Habits Alcohol and tobacco: Everyone knows that consuming these substances can take a toll on your health. It’s also worth noting that tobacco smoke can decrease blood flow to the inner ear. Frequent noise exposure: overexposure to loud noises harms the auditory cells located in the inner ear. Hearing slowly worsens over time if the exposure lasts too long. Background noise, excessive workplace noise, or listening to loud audio with headphones/earbuds, pose serious risks to hearing health. Always carry around earplugs and wear them if you are exposed to loud noises. Poor hygiene: Too much earwax that isn’t removed correctly can lead to a blockage in the ear canal. Gently rinse your ears with warm water and a cloth. DO NOT insert anything small like cotton swabs to remove the wax. Depending on the amount and type of earwax you produce, you are pushing the earwax further into your ears. Some people’s earwax can be dry and flakey, and others can be moist and sticky. Medications: Ototoxic drugs can worsen symptoms of hearing loss or induce other hearing problems. Salicylate, used in common anti-inflammatories, can harm a person’s hearing if taken in high doses. Discuss medications that you currently take or ones that you plan on taking with your hearing healthcare provider. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  The top three chronic physical conditions for people of any age are arthritis, heart disease, and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Statistics from 2022 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) found that:
Older Adults: Hearing Loss Statistics
Statistics on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Too much exposure to loud noises is the top cause of NIHL. Nearly one in five employees is exposed to dangerous noise levels in their work environment. The CDC has found the following reports on NIHL:
Statistics on Children with Hearing Loss
Statistics on Veterans with Hearing Loss U.S. veterans are at high risk of noise exposure while on the job. Services for hearing aids and hearing loss is available to them through the VA.
Statistics on Hearing Aid and Hearing Care What is the number of hearing aid users? According to the 2022 MarketTrak data:
Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Cognitive Decline, and Balance Problems MarketTrak’s 2022 survey also revealed that anyone with hearing issues also has higher rates of common conditions and is more than 3.5 times more likely to have tinnitus, cognitive/memory problems, falls, and balance problems. Those who do not wear hearing aids have higher rates of depression due to isolation, which worsens based on the severity of hearing loss. When you have trouble hearing, and those with whom you communicate don’t try to adopt an easier style of communication, it drives the person with hearing loss to give up on trying to interact with people altogether. Studies have also shown that those with heart disease are at a higher risk of hearing loss. When your blood flow has poor circulation, oxygen can’t reach the delicate hair cells in the cochlea which damages or destroys them. Hair cells cannot regrow, so once they are destroyed it will lead to permanent hearing loss. For people with diabetes, hearing loss is twice as common than in those who don’t have hearing problems. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss for any reason, please contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers.  The property by which sounds organize on a frequency-related scale is pitch. For those who experience hearing loss, sounds with higher pitches are often the first to go and the hardest to get back. In other cases, these high pitches can seem louder than usual, which can cause pain. For example, the high frequencies of bus brakes squealing may be painful, but the low frequencies of a jackhammer may not.
If you lose high frequencies, it would be harder to hear children's or high-pitched female voices. If low frequencies go, it would be harder to hear deeper male voices. So, it is good to better understand the pattern of your hearing. For some people, the pitch varies widely in terms of hearing. Any way you look at it, you might limit your interaction with those people and situations you can hear best, which means you will miss out on a lot. If you are frustrated with your hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing aid providers.  Are you planning to commit to your hobbies in the new year? Everyone should take on a hobby to enjoy in their spare time. Hobbies can be a significant part of our life and bring enjoyment when life gets too stressful. Consider health and safety precautions before embarking on any potentially loud hobbies that can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Woodworking If you’re interested in woodworking, whether you’re a beginner who wants to build some shelves or a seasoned woodworker who wants a canoe, wearing earplugs or earmuffs is necessary when working with power tools. Power tools and decibel output Hammer Drill: 114 dB Chain Saw: 109 dB Circular Saw: 101 dB Hand Drill: 99 dB Router: 95 dB Belt Sander: 94 dB Table Saw: 93 dB Playing an instrument Whether you are learning a new instrument or have been playing for many years, you should wear hearing protection when playing very loud instruments and take breaks in between playing. Instruments and their decibel output (when played at their loudest) French horn: 90 to 106 dB Trombone: 85 to 114 dB Flute: 85 to 111 dB Cello: 82 to 92 dB Clarinet: 92 to 103 dB Piano (normal practice): 60 to 70 dB Piano (fortissimo): 84 to 103 dB Oboe: 90 to 94 dB Swimming Hearing protection does not only include safeguarding your ears from harmful sound waves, but it’s also helpful to keep your ears clean and prevent debris from entering your ear canals. Any style of earplugs will ensure air bubbles or water that gets trapped in the ear and will stay away from the ear canal or eardrum. Water that gets trapped can affect your hearing and may cause an ear infection. Earplugs reduce noise. They cannot cancel out all noise, so if you wear them while swimming, you’ll still be able to hear a lifeguard’s whistle. Earplugs are available in many different styles and sizes. Standard foam earplugs are available at Pure Sound Hearing. If you need earplugs, a hearing test, or hearing aids, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  As we wind down from this year and prepare to welcome the new year at a friend or family member’s party or an event, please remember to protect your ears from loud noises that are bound to occur.
New Year’s Eve is commonly associated with celebrating with loud music, dancing, fireworks, and alcohol. Do you ever think about how loud a cork removed from a champagne bottle can be? Even getting hit in the ear with it flying nearly 25 miles per hour can cause damage to your eardrum. A fireworks display is beautiful to watch and enjoy after the clock reaches midnight, but be aware that the bursts of noise can range from 150 to 175 decibels (dB). The average human’s listening threshold is 70-85 dB. That noise level can cause permanent damage to your hearing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should not be in an area with over 140 dB of peak sound pressure. Many people have endured some damage to their ears due to the sound of fireworks. Similar noise levels, such as live concerts, sound systems, and explosions, can cause tinnitus or permanent hearing loss. If you experience tinnitus due to fireworks noise, the phrase ‘ringing in the New Year’ can have a new meaning. The importance of Distance between You and the Source of the Sound One element of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) caused by sounds like fireworks is the range of distance a person is from the source of sounds. The closer you are from where the sound originates, the more likely you experience hearing loss. To reduce the damage that noise does to your ears, make sure you are 15-20 meters away from the sound source. Children’s hearing is much more sensitive, so keeping them at a further distance is highly recommended. Protect Your Ears with Ear Plugs Is the sound nearby also loud? Earplugs aren’t just helpful in blocking out annoying background noises. Use them to protect your ears from dangerous levels of sound. Indirect Noise Exposure Anyone who lives near a popular/loud venue could be experiencing noise disturbance. Most people will tolerate the noises during celebrations. When these events last too long throughout the night and into the early morning hours, this can be considered noise pollution. Night hours last from 11 pm to 7 am. The law allows a maximum noise level between these hours. A warning may be issued if there are complaints about the noise levels. For anyone who chooses not to expose themselves to the noise from these events, it can impact their mental and physical health. Noise pollution can raise blood pressure, causing hypertension and heart disease. Homes nearby can be protected if New Year’s Eve event organizers block out some noise by using acoustic barriers. These barriers stop noise from being heard by people who did not attend the event. If you are experiencing hearing loss caused by noise exposure or for any other reason, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Hearing loss is a prevalent health concern for about 466 million people, making it the most common chronic physical condition worldwide.
It is impossible to restore hearing loss, but hearing aids can help patients better manage their loss. 6 Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss from Getting Worse 1. Stay away from Loud Areas One of the most preventable forms of hearing loss is exposure to dangerous noise levels. About 70 decibels or higher can harm your hearing if the exposure lasts for an extended period. Anything over 120 dB can immediately harm your hearing. Temporary or permanent hearing loss may occur. If you can, stay away from loud areas or wear hearing protection. 2. Hearing Protection It’s not always possible to avoid noise exposure. If it’s part of your job, or if you live in a loud bustling city, it’s a good idea to wear earplugs or earmuffs when you know you will be around loud noises. Make sure they properly and comfortably fit in your ear canals so that they will seal off any noise. A good way to know whether an area is too loud is if you need to shout for someone nearby to hear you, or you can download a decibel meter app. 3. Take care of Earwax Build Up. Excess earwax (cerumen) can build up in the ear and worsen hearing. Earwax is supposed to fall out on its own, but in some instances, it can clog up the ear. Do not insert anything, like a cotton swab, into your ears. That will push the earwax deeper into the canals and make it worse. Instead, you can soften the wax with warm water and a washcloth, as long as your eardrums aren’t perforated. 4. Don’t Take Ototoxic Drugs Some medications, such as cancer treatments, can be ototoxic - they can damage the inner ear. They can cause hearing loss or make existing hearing problems worse. You may want to refrain from taking the medication or ask your healthcare provider about the risks and alternative treatments to reduce potential harm to your hearing health. 5. Take care of Your Hearing Health and Overall Health. Poor heart health, kidney health, diabetes, dementia, or other health concerns can result in hearing loss. Focusing on your overall well-being - like a good diet, exercise, and a healthy social life - is essential for your health and hearing health. Getting a hearing test regularly can help catch any early loss and slow down further decline by intervening with appropriate treatment options. This may include a change in your diet and exercise routines, or receiving hearing aids. 6. Digital Hearing Aids Modern technology is very helpful in managing hearing loss. Hearing instrument specialists like our providers from Pure Sound will patiently work with you to customize your hearing aid needs. Services for proper fittings, programming, and cleanings can be arranged through your hearing instrument specialists. Get in touch with us to schedule your free hearing test and consultation.  The holidays are coming up. Maybe you’ve been thinking about a family member’s hearing health lately. These gift ideas might perk up their ears.
Headphones Does someone in your family love listening to music, streaming their favorite podcast, or enjoying an audiobook? Headphones that are correctly used, at a low or comfortable volume, for an allotted amount of time can be a great gift. While earbuds are small and convenient, sounds can escape from the edges. A person will be prone to turning the volume level up to cover up outside noises. This is bad for your hearing. Earbuds transfer audio waves directly to your ear canal, worsening hearing health. Headphones seal the ears. That creates fewer competing sounds in your environment, making you less likely to raise the volume level. Earplugs Earplugs can be customized for different activities. Whether you want dependable and inexpensive ones, or custom earplugs that are a bit pricier, your family member will appreciate that you kept their health in mind. High-fidelity earplugs allow users to hear slightly different tones in music while reducing the loud volume. These are perfect for anyone who loves live music. An Acoustic Guitar Sound Hole Cover Whether or not your loved one is good at guitar, you may not want to hear yet another rendition of a song they’re playing. Use a soundhole cover! It’s a disc that rests in the soundhole of most acoustic guitars so the sound becomes dampened. They only cost three to five dollars, so they can shred it while protecting their hearing. Beating Drummers If your loved one has taken a step further from doing air drums to using actual drums, maybe you can get them a drum practice pad. It’s much quieter than a snare drum. Hearing Aids Maybe your loved one’s hearing health has been waning for years, and they haven’t given in to wearing hearing aids yet. Hearing aids can significantly help maintain their hearing health, overall health, and communication with family, friends, and anyone else they interact with. If anyone in your life, including you, needs hearing aids contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Did You know that Your chances of experiencing Hearing Loss Double for Each Decade of Your Life?10/18/2022
 The New England Journal of Medicine stated that the fourth leading cause of disability around the globe is hearing loss. One in three Americans between 65 to 74 years old experience hearing loss. The pervasiveness of hearing loss also doubles for each decade of life. It’s crucial for people of all ages to get regular hearing tests and interventions, but it is especially true for the elderly.
As frequently mentioned in our blog, hearing loss can lead to more hospitalizations, falls, isolation, and dementia. It can also increase anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness. Poor communication skills can strain relationships across every aspect of your life. The Primary causes of Hearing Loss
Being more aware, taking the right precautions, and making better decisions when it comes to your overall health can help with hearing health. If you, or a loved one, are noticing any changes in hearing contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Exposure to loud sounds for an extended period can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Whether it’s noises you don’t like, for example, construction noises or noises from city traffic, or noises that you enjoy like a concert, your hearing is at risk.
The Loudest Instruments: A Study Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney conducted a study to determine which musical instrument was most likely to cause hearing loss. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene published the results in 2013. They studied 143 professional French horn players. The musicians who were 40 years of age and younger were 18 to 33 percent more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss. Just 18 percent of professional musicians wore hearing protection. About 81 percent of those who wore hearing protection, only wore them ‘sometimes’ and 50 percent responded that they use generic foam earplugs or other substandard forms of hearing protection. A professional French horn player and doctoral researcher from the University of Sydney discovered from their research that they still need to educate horn players, their mentors, and hearing healthcare providers about protecting their hearing and the best way to accomplish this while not interfering with their ability to play. Everyone should take hearing loss seriously. Musicians, and anyone who is repeatedly exposed to loud noises, should get regular hearing tests. Any loss in the hearing range can make distinguishing different pitches difficult, cause tinnitus, or make some sounds abnormally loud. This can affect their performance and their musical career. Instruments and their Decibel Levels The French horn is the loudest instrument, but it’s not the only instrument that produces dangerous sound levels. Here are some common instruments and their decibel ranges:
Protect Your Hearing By wearing proper hearing protection, you can continue playing your favorite instrument while preserving your hearing abilities. Musicians can get custom earplugs that allow them to still hear the music while keeping their ears safe. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.  Power tools are noisy and annoying to anyone within a certain radius. There are ways to curtail the noise, but understanding why they are so loud can help you discover a good solution. In some cases, a loud power tool may be a signal of mechanical problems but most of them are naturally noisy.
The Reason Why Power Tools are so Noisy Power tools create so much noise because they feature loud fans that prevent overheating. Metal gears whirr while making the motor louder. Drill bits that get dull, motors that deteriorate, unlubricated gears, and higher RPMs (Rotations Per Minute) cause the power tool to be louder than usual. We’ll go deeper into why power tools are so loud. 1. Metal gears make the motor louder. Most of the noise from your power tools comes from the gear train. Multiple gears rotate around one another, creating a loud grinding noise. These movements generate vibrations and produce power and direction for the tool. 2. Power tools feature loud cooling fans. Every electric tool needs to cool off. Friction between metal pieces produces heat. If fans were not part of the tool, they would be too hot to handle, and the motors would be damaged within minutes of usage. The pricier tools have fans that are quieter than cheaper tools. 3. If there isn’t any lubrication, the internal components will scrape against each other and screech. Just like ceiling fans, lubricants are applied to avoid overheating. Lubrication can be found where moving parts come in contact. The gears need to be pre-lubricated to prevent the tools from being worn down, otherwise grinding sounds will be heard. 4. Dull bits can make your tool loud. When the bits are worn down, they will vibrate more frequently. Drill bits need to be replaced whenever they get dull. The metal that they are comprised of will affect how long they last. For example, low-quality aluminum will chip, vibrate, and become dull very quickly. 5. A motor that’s failing or if it runs at high RPMs will make more noise than usual. The more power that the tool creates, the louder it will sound. High RPMs make everything function at an accelerated speed, including fans. A defective motor can overheat, grind, and create irritating noises. How Loud Can Power Tools Get? Power tools can get loud enough to harm your ability to hear based on how long you are exposed to the noise, as well as the distance between you and the noise source. Wear hearing protection whenever you use power tools. Power tools and decibel output Table Saw: 93 dB Belt Sander: 94 dB Router: 95 dB Hand Drill: 99 dB Circular Saw: 101 dB Chain Saw: 109 dB Hammer Drill: 114 dB Steady exposure to any noise that reaches at least 70 dB can start to harm your hearing. How to Muffle the Noises from Power Tools As mentioned, the main reasons why power tools are so noisy are because of vibrations, metal rubbing against each other, and overheating. To reduce noise from power tools: 1. Fasten the project you are working on to reduce excessive vibrations. If possible, anchor the material onto a solid surface. An unclamped board will move around, making the tool struggle to work and the material will produce a loud noise. 2. Get a new bit set that is sharper and made of high-quality materials. Cheaper materials will become dull and won’t remain steady. High-quality drill bits are sharp and sturdy, so they should last longer, drill with precision, and be less noisy. 3. Regularly clean your power tools. This will prevent the fan from overheating. Inspect the vents to make sure there isn’t any dust or debris causing an obstruction. This makes them work harder. Use an air compressor to clear out anything that can’t be reached with a soft cloth. 4. Lubricate gears in tools, if possible. Some tools cannot be opened. Check your manufacturer’s guide. If the gears on a power tool are in an enclosed case and do not feature screws, you’ll have to wear hearing protection to deal with the noise. Enclosed gearboxes are usually lubricated and infrequently need to be replaced. Should You Use Cordless Tools? Batter-powered tools are less noisy if you don’t want to deal with noisy power tools. The most powerful tools are often the loudest, but a high-quality, battery-powered tool can make up for it. Here’s why cordless tools make less noise than corded tools: 1. Most cordless tools are not as powerful. The majority of power tools that use a battery are quiet because they don’t feature RPMs. The fewer RPMs there are, the less likely you’ll be able to tackle challenging projects. This may not be a problem for your tools or needs. 2. There isn’t as much pressure put onto gearboxes as corded power tools. Weaker power equals fewer cracks caused by friction, less grinding, and less weathering. Some cordless gearboxes are made to withstand the force, and others were made to make less noise by being coated in lubricant. 3. Traditional drills with cords do not feature modern cordless technology. You may notice that your oldest tools make more noise than battery-powered ones. These power tools were not designed to be quiet due to the material that was available. It was naturally loud, so there’s not much you can do to muffle the noises like today’s cordless tools. If you want quieter tools, get a high-end style. Low-quality tools won’t have the power you need to get your projects done. If you are experiencing hearing loss that was caused by exposure to loud power tools, or for any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. |
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