Causes of hearing loss, from train noises to coffee grinders, and how to protect your ears

While concertgoers might expect ringing ears, many everyday activities can also damage our hearing over time. Understanding hearing loss can help us take better precautions.

The science of sound and hearing

Smoothies may be good for your gut health, but blenders are one of the main culprits in the household for causing hearing damage. Photo: Shutterstock

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when loud sounds damage or destroy these delicate hair cells. Once damaged, these cells do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. The louder the sound and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of damage.

In general, noises below 70 decibels do not harm your ears, according to the non-profit American academic medical centre Mayo Clinic. Damage can occur when noises are above that level. The higher the decibel level, the more damage your ears incur.

Surprising sources of hearing damage

Your morning routine might be the first offender, with coffee grinders and blenders averaging about 70-90 decibels. Some small kitchen appliances can reach beyond 110 decibels – as loud as a chainsaw about a metre (three feet) away.

Consider using earplugs while making breakfast, and be mindful of other noisy household chores like vacuuming (75 decibels) or using power tools.

Commuting is not without risk, either. Trains (about 95 decibels at about 60 metres away), sirens and construction work can all reach harmful noise levels.

A train arrives at Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay MTR station. Train noise can pose risks to our hearing. Photo: Jelly Tse

When confronted with sudden loud noises, try pressing the tragus – the small flap at your ear opening – to muffle the sound.

Those working in various professions face hidden hearing hazards.

Dentists, waiters and factory workers are particularly at risk. Discuss hearing protection options with your employer if your workplace is consistently noisy.

Even leisure activities can pose a threat. Listening to podcasts or music at a high volume through headphones is a common culprit. At noisy gyms or restaurants, choose a spot away from speakers.

The Mayo Clinic gives this rule of thumb: if you have to shout to be heard by someone an arm’s length away, you are being exposed to too much noise.

Protecting your hearing

While occasional exposure to loud sounds is usually fine, repeated encounters add up over time.

The United States’ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is part of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends we do not subject ourselves to noise levels of 85 decibels or higher for more than eight hours a day.

To protect your hearing when using headphones, you are recommended to keep the volume below 60 per cent of the maximum and to listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Photo: Shutterstock

Here are some ways to protect your hearing:

Follow the 60/60 rule: when using headphones, keep the volume below 60 per cent and listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time, the American Osteopathic Association suggests.
Take listening breaks and give your ears time to recover after exposure to loud noises.
When possible, stay away from sources of loud sounds.

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