Many people do not yet realize that ignoring safety measures may lead to ringing ears. Loud noises at work or even at home are bad for the ears. Ears do not have pain receptors that warn us damage is occurring. Sounds at 160 decibels can cause instant rupture of the eardrum and death of hearing tissues. However, it does not have to go that far, not even near that scale, for damage to start occurring.

Experts on acoustics say that prolonged exposure to sounds at least 90 decibels may cause hearing damage. Typical factory noise and train whistle at 500 feet away is about 90 dB. Experts suggest not exposing yourself more than 8 hours a day to noises at least 90 dB. Long term exposure to sound even at lower intensities can cause gradual hearing loss, which accompanies tinnitus. The extent of damage depends upon the intensity of sound you are exposed to and the length of exposure. The louder the sound and the longer your exposure it, the greater the damage.

Noise pollution is frequent and unavoidable at work. Therefore, precautions must be taken to avoid acquiring ear trouble. Besides causing hearing loss and ringing ears, loud noises can have direct physiologic effects such as headache, blood pressure rise, exhaustion, irritability, digestive problems and vulnerability to colds. Sound intensity should be monitored at work. Some companies are concerned about this and they actually put up sound level meters that measure sound loudness.

Reduction of noise in workplaces can be done by modification of equipment or transferring of equipment to a sound proof room. Workers should work in more favorable areas. If not, then ear protection must be worn whenever loud noise is present. Sound levels at home should also be checked. Avoid frequent playing of the stereo, televisions, and other appliances at high volume. Gadgets like mp3 players and portable CD players should never be played at maximum volumes that reach more than 100 dB. Such intensity is hazardous to the ears.

Loud noise exposure causes damage to the inner ears – where the cochlea is located. The cochlea contains the hair cells responsible for nerve transmission of auditory impulses to the brain. Upon heavy noise exposure these hair cells are destroyed. The irreparable injury impairs hearing. Moreover, the damaged hair cells occasionally transmit abnormal signals which the brain interprets as noise. The outcome is some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. “Ringing ears – loud noises” are a likely combination. Be aware of this.