Gradual hearing loss may occur after prolonged exposure to 90
decibels or above. Exposure to 100 decibels for more than 15
minutes can cause hearing loss. Exposure to 110 decibels for
more than a minute can cause permanent hearing loss. Noise-
Induced Hearing Loss Noise and hearing loss: When the ears are
exposed to extremely loud noises, or to prolonged loud noises,
inner ear structures can be damaged, leading to noise-induced
hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is quite common,
affecting about one-third of the nearly 36 million Americans who
suffer from hearing loss. What constitutes a loud noise? Noise,
or sound intensity, is measured in decibels. Normal conversation
levels occur at about 60 decibels. Anything above 120 decibels
can harm the ears and lead to hearing loss. Examples of noises
that reach 120 decibels or above include firecrackers, gunshots,
and motorcycles. According to the American Academy of
Otolaryngology, noise is damaging if: - you have to shout to be
heard. - your ears hurt. - your