Hearing loss that is caused by the noise exposure due to recreational or non-occupational activities is termed socioacusis. Hearing loss due to injurious noise at workplace is referred to as occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) (Mathur, Neeraj N. Roland, Peter S 2014). Some recreational activities that can put you at risk include target shooting, listening to music at high volume through headphones, playing in a band, and attending loud concerts (NIDCD 2014).
The “Levels of Noise” table below serves as a quick guide to permissible noise exposure levels. This helpful chart shows exposure levels of common equipment and activities (The University of Vermont 2015). See Figure 1.
Typically, sounds in the range of 85-105 dB cause metabolic and chemical disturbances in the inner ear that might lead to …show more content…
Though NIHL is most prevalent among individuals over the age of 65. It is expected to rise in percentage and lower in the average age as the number of children and young adults with hearing loss is increasing. This appears to correlate due to the increased amounts of dangerous levels of noise exposed at the earliest stages of youth through to young adulthood (Daniel, E 2007). There are several modifiable risk factors that can be avoided to drastically diminish the chances of forming NIHL. These modifiable risks include, the nonuse of hearing protection, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, low dietary intake of foods rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals, and poor oral health (Daniel, E