Life Is Loud: How Everyday Sounds Can Impact Your Hearing
At Sound Speech and Hearing Clinic, we’re passionate about helping you stay connected to the sounds that make life meaningful—whether it’s your favorite music, a loved one’s laugh, or the quiet rustle of the trees. October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, making it the perfect time to check in on your listening habits and learn how to keep your hearing healthy for the long run.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
If you’ve ever cranked up your favorite song, cheered at a concert, or sat close to a fireworks show, you know—life is loud!
We recently shared a great visual from the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) that shows just how loud everyday sounds can be. It’s a good reminder that protecting your hearing doesn’t mean avoiding fun—it means enjoying it safely.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sounds at or below 70 decibels (dBA) are generally safe, even after long exposure. But once the volume climbs to 85 dBA or higher, your ears can start to take damage over time.
And here’s the tricky part: the louder the sound, the less time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to occur.
Here’s a look at the average decibel levels of some familiar sounds:
Normal conversation: 60–70 dBA
Movie theater: 74–104 dBA
Motorcycles and dirt bikes: 80–110 dBA
Music through headphones, sporting events, or concerts: 94–110 dBA
Sirens: 110–129 dBA
Fireworks show: 140–160 dBA
Even short bursts of very loud sound (like fireworks or sirens) can cause instant damage—so distance and duration both matter.
The “Too Loud, Too Close, Too Long” Rule
A simple way to remember how to protect your hearing?
👉 Avoid sounds that are too loud, too close, or last too long.
If you find yourself shouting to be heard over background noise, it’s probably time to take a step back, turn it down, or pop in a pair of earplugs.
Small Changes, Big Difference
You don’t have to change your lifestyle to protect your hearing—just make a few smart swaps:
Keep the volume on your headphones below 60%
Take “quiet breaks” after noisy activities
Wear earplugs at concerts or sporting events
Move away from speakers or loud engines when possible
Schedule regular hearing checks to monitor your ear health
Celebrate Sound, Protect Your Hearing
At Sound Speech and Hearing Clinic, we believe your hearing should help you live life fully—without limits. Whether you’re looking for custom hearing protection, a baseline hearing test, or guidance on managing tinnitus, our friendly team is here to help you care for your hearing in every season.
Give us a call to schedule your visit—because yes, life is loud, but your ears don’t have to pay the price.