Listen up!(American Academy of Audiology) (Brief article)

• Author: Sergeant, Deborah Jeanne

The American Academy of Audiology (www.howsyourhearing. org) offers the following comparison of everyday sounds, warning that "noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85 decibels (dB)."

* 60 dB Normal conversations or dishwashers

* 80 dB Alarm clocks

* 90 dB Hair dryers, blenders and lawnmowers

* 100 dB MP3 players at full volume

* 110 dB Concerts (any music genre), car racing and sporting events

* 120 dB Jet planes at take-off

* 130 dB Ambulances

* 140 dB Gun shots, fireworks and custom car stereos at full volume

The best way to assess the hearing hazards at your workplace is to consult with a safety expert; however, the American Academy of Audiology offers the...