Sound peaks above 130 dB can damage hearing instantly

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 (#expands, via linked claim)

Hearing loss is insidious and permanent, and by the time it is measurable it is too late. Therefore in order to protect hearing sensitivity and acuity one must be proactive. The first strategy is to avoid exposure to excess noises. Although 85 dB(SPL) is taken as a damage threshold if the noise exposure causes ringing in the ears, especially if the ringing lasts longer than the length of exposure, it may be that damage may be occurring even if the sound level is less than 85 dB(SPL). — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 684 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: A wartime siren reached 184 dB, instantly fatal to nearby listeners; Chronic 85 dB daily exposure causes hearing loss, while 130 dB risks acute injury; Raising volume to overcome noise leads to discomfort and hearing damage (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Noise above 85-90 dBA causes permanent hearing damage #expands (0.95) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 678
• Tinnitus after exposure signals damage even below the 85 dB threshold #expands (0.72) — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 684