10TV: How Loud Is Too Loud??

It seems these days everyone you see in at a restaurant or walking down the street has headphones or earbuds in. The big question is, how loud is the volume? For Ear, Nose, & Throat doctors like Dr. Christopher Selinsky of OhioHealth, it is something he worries about each day.

"Most portable devices the max volume is 105 decibels, so these things can get really loud and over an extended period of time you can create temporary or permanent hearing loss," Dr. Selinsky tells 10TV.

Dangerous Sounds

The cut off for safe loudness is 85 decibels. Here's a breakdown of what sounds end up in the danger zone:

• The humming of a refrigerator is 45 decibels.
• A normal conversation is 60 decibels.
• Noise from heavy city traffic is 85 decibels.
• Concerts can reach between 100-120 decibels.
• Sirens can hit 120 decibels.
• Firecrackers and firearms can reach 150 decibels.

Dr. Selinsky says, even from his own personal experience, he has heard people at the gym next to him with the music so loud, he could hear the songs through the person’s earbuds.

"There is a study looking at 12-19-year-old's that are pushing the limits, and about 15-20 percent already have signs of noise-induced hearing loss," Selinsky says to 10TV’s Karina Nova.

So, what can you do? First, Dr. Selinsky says turn things down. Also, if you know you are going to be in places that will have loud noises, like a concert, sporting event, if you are doing construction work, or mowing your lawn, look into earplugs. And make sure you are getting regular checks with your doctor.

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