American Hearing Center | Expert Hearing Care in the Philippines

1. Decibel Measurement:
   1. Decibels (dB) are a logarithmic unit used to measure the intensity of sound. This means that each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in the power of the sound. So, a 20 dB sound is 10 times more powerful than a 10 dB sound, and a 30 dB sound is 100 times more powerful than a 10 dB sound.
   1. The scale starts at 0 dB, which represents the threshold of hearing (the quietest sound that can be detected by the human ear). Each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity.
2. Common Sounds and Their Decibels:
   1. 0 dB: Near total silence.
   1. 15 dB: A whisper.
   1. 60 dB: Normal conversation.
   1. 90 dB: A lawnmower.
   1. 110 dB: A car horn.
   1. 120 dB: A rock concert or a jet engine.
   1. 140 dB: A gunshot or firecracker.
3. Impact of Sound Intensity on Hearing:
   1. 85 dB: Prolonged exposure (over 8 hours) can cause hearing damage. If you need to raise your voice to be heard over the sound, it’s likely around this level.
   1. 90 dB: Continuous exposure for about 8 hours can lead to hearing loss.
   1. 140 dB: Immediate hearing damage and pain can occur.
4. Distance and Sound Intensity:
   1. Distance from the sound source affects its intensity. The further you are from the source, the quieter the sound becomes. This is due to the spreading out of sound waves as they travel.
5. Preventive Measures:
   1. Hearing Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments to protect your hearing.
   1. Volume Control: Keep personal audio devices at safe volume levels and take breaks from loud environments.
   1. Regular Hearing Checkups: Get your hearing tested regularly, especially if you are frequently exposed to high noise levels.

Understanding these aspects helps you gauge when and how to protect your hearing to avoid both temporary and permanent damage.