Hearing loss can result from damage to structures or nerve fibers in the inner ear that respond to

sound. This type of hearing loss, termed noise-induced hearing loss, is usually caused by
exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected.
Sound intensity is measured in decibels with a sound level meter. Noise-induced hearing loss can
result from a one-time exposure to a very loud sound (at or above 120 decibels), blast, impulse, or
by listening to loud sounds (at or above 85 decibels) over an extended period. The louder the
sound, the shorter the time period before hearing damage occurs.
Because the damage from noise exposure is usually gradual, a person might not notice or might
ignore signs of hearing loss until more pronounced symptoms of permanent hearing loss become
evident. Noticeable signs of hearing loss can include the following :
Muffled or distorted hearing
Difficulty hearing sounds such as birds singing, crickets chirping, alarm clocks, watch alarms,
telephones, or doorbells
Difficulty understanding speech during telephone conversations or while participating in
group conversations
Pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) after exposure to excessively loud sounds
If a child or adolescent experiences any of these signs, he or she should tell a parent, teacher, or
other trusted adult. Often, family members, coworkers, or friends are the first to notice hearing
problems in others. The only accurate way to determine the extent and degree of hearing loss is
through evaluation by an expert trained to test hearing (audiologist) or other qualified
professional.
Noise exposures add up throughout daily activities. However, certain events, behaviors, and
environmental factors in and out of the school setting can expose young people to unsafe sound
levels:
Exposure to sound levels that exceed safe listening levels, such as at rock concerts or band
practice, can cause hearing damage if it occurs frequently or for long periods of time.
Listening to portable media devices such as compact disc and MP3 players at high volume
levels (above 85 decibels) for long periods of time can cause similar damage.
In the school setting, children and adolescents can be exposed to sounds that can damage
their hearing, such as in band or shop class or attending school events (dances, athletic
events) with excessive sound levels.
Construction and maintenance activities in or around the school can also expose students to
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harmful sound levels.
Based on the recommended exposure limits identified in the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Revised Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise
Exposure (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/) , the table below provides some common sound
sources, their corresponding sound intensities (in decibels), and the duration of exposure limits
before hearing damage begins.
Table 1: Sound, Sound Intensity, and Recommended Exposure Limits
Safe Sound Level
Sound Source Examples
Sound
Intensity
(Decibels)
Recommended
Exposure Limits For
Repeated
Exposures*
Comments
Quietest sound heard by person with
normal healthy hearing
0 Any duration None
Quiet empty classroom that meets U.S.
acoustical standard
3540 Any duration None
Typical library sound levels 40 Any duration None
Typical unoccupied classroom 46 Any duration None
Normal conversational speech 60 Any duration None
Battery-powered pencil sharpener 71 Any duration None
Potentially Hazardous Sound Level
Sound Source Examples
Sound
Intensity
(Decibels)
Recommended
Exposure Limits For
Repeated
Exposures*
Comments
School cafeteria 85 8 hours
Prolonged exposures might cause slight hearing
loss. Hearing protection should be used if
regularly exposed to this sound level beyond the
exposure limit.
Band class 90 2 hours
Hearing protection should be used if regularly
exposed to this sound level beyond the
exposure limit.
Wood or metal shop, power tools,
snowmobile
100 15 minutes
Hearing protection should be used if exposed to
this sound level beyond the exposure limit.
Hazardous Sound Level
Sound Source Examples
Sound
Intensity
(Decibels)
Recommended
Exposure Limits For
Repeated
Exposures*
Comments
Personal stereo system at high volume 105 5 minutes
Hearing protection should be used if exposed to
this sound level beyond the exposure limit.
Chainsaw, loud rock concert 110 1.5 minutes
Hearing protection should be used if exposed to
this sound level beyond the exposure limit.
Ambulance siren 120 9 seconds
Hearing protection should be used if exposed to
this sound level beyond the exposure limit.
Firecrackers, firearms 140-165
Immediate hearing
damage possible
Hearing protection should be used whenever
exposed to this sound level.
*NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) are based on repeated exposures occurring over a period of years. For example,
repeated exposure to 85 decibels during an 8-hour workday over a period of years or repeated exposure to 90 decibels during a
2-hour period over a period of years are potentially hazardous. Hearing damage from noise adds up over time. Single, one-time
exposures do not pose an immediate risk of hearing loss unless sound levels equal or exceed 140 decibels.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) S12.60 (2002).
Hearing protection devices include earplugs and earmuffs that are made to reduce the loudness of sound. Earplugs are placed
in the ear canal so that they totally block the canal, reducing the loudness of sound. Earmuffs fit completely over both ears,
fitting tightly to reduce the sound loudness. It is recommended that earplugs and earmuffs be used together when noise
exposure is particularly high. Cotton in the ears, winter ear warmers, and audio headphones are not appropriate hearing
protection devices.
CDC/NIOSH. Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 1998.

1.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Noise Induced Hearing Loss. Bethesda, MD: April
2007. NIH Pub No. 97-4233.

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Page last reviewed: February 27, 2013
Page last updated: February 27, 2013
Content source: National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health and
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333,
USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDCINFO
Lass NJ, Woodford CM, Lundeen C, Lundeen DJ, Everly-Myers DS. The prevention of noise-induced hearing loss in the
school-aged population: a school educational hearing conservation program. Journal of Auditory Research
1986;26:247254.

3.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Noise and Hearing Loss (http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders
/noise.htm) (http://www.cdc.gov/Other/disclaimer.html) . Rockville, MD: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

4.
Fligor BJ, Cox LC. Output levels of commercially available portable compact disc players and the potential risk to hearing.
Ear and Hearing 2004;25(6):513527.

5.
CDC/NIOSH. What Does the Hearing Loss Program Do? (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nas/hlr/wdpd_stragGoal2_3.html) Cincinnati,
OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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