Chronic 85 dB daily exposure causes hearing loss, while 130 dB risks acute injury

Evidence

How much noise exposure is acceptable? There is some evidence that the levels of noise generated by our normal noisy Western society have some long-term effects, because measurements on the hearing of other cultures show a much lower threshold of hearing at a given age compared with that of Westerners. However, this may be due to other factors as well, for example the level of pollution. But strong evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to noises with amplitudes of greater than 90 dBA can cause permanent hearing damage. This fact is recognized, for example, by UK legislation, which requires that the noise exposure of workers be less than this limit, known as the “second action limit.” This level has been reduced since April 2006 under European legislation to 85 dBA. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 678 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

It is well known that temporary hearing loss results from exposure to any very loud sound. A ringing in the ears is the warning. With adequate quiet rest periods, we appear to recover, but if the exposures are repeated, some of the temporary loss becomes permanent. Whether the hearing loss is temporary or permanent it affects something as basic as one’s ability to detect equalization changes (Kruk and Kin, 2015). — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1876 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Repeated loud exposures convert temporary hearing loss into permanent damage — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1876; Tinnitus after exposure signals damage even below the 85 dB threshold — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 684; Noise above 85-90 dBA causes permanent hearing damage — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 678 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Noise above 85-90 dBA causes permanent hearing damage #corroborates (0.90) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 678
• Sound peaks above 130 dB can damage hearing instantly #corroborates (0.90)
• Repeated loud exposures convert temporary hearing loss into permanent damage #expands (0.78) — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1876
• Tinnitus after exposure signals damage even below the 85 dB threshold #qualifies (0.75) — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 684
• A temporary threshold shift signals elevated risk of permanent hearing loss #expands (0.75)