6 noise hazards that could harm your hearing — and how to stay safe
You can’t always avoid loud noises. But here’s how to help protect your ears.
Loud noises are all around us. It could be the fire truck roaring down the street. Or the neighbor using his leaf blower. Or just the music you play through your headphones.
Over time, loud noises can take a toll on your hearing. In fact, they’re one of the most common causes of hearing loss in older adults.1 [LINK TO: “What every adult needs to know about hearing loss”] That’s because the louder the noise, the more it damages the small, hair-like cells in your inner ear that transmit sound to your brain.2
But how loud is too loud? Sounds are measured in decibels. Anything over 85 decibels (dB) has the potential to damage your hearing. [LINK TO: “That’s loud! Everyday activities that could harm your hearing”] That level of noise includes sounds from construction equipment, motorcycles and your music turned up full volume.3
Another thing to remember? “Noise is always a factor of how loud and how long,” says Joe W. Griffith, III, Au.D. He’s an audiologist and the owner of Accessible Hearing Aids in Metairie, Louisiana. “The louder the sound, the less time you should be around it.”
Here are some common noise hazards you may encounter every day — and what to do to protect your hearing. [LINK TO: “6 ways to naturally preserve your hearing”]
#1. Listening to music through headphones
Hearing care professionals are most concerned about the potential damage that comes from listening to loud music through headphones or earbuds, Griffith says. “People don't realize how many hours a day they may be doing that, and it’s right in your ear.” [LINK TO: “How to stream your favorite shows through your hearing aids”]
How loud? 94 to 100 dB, at maximum volume.2 “If someone can hear it standing next to you, it’s too loud,” Griffith says.
Safety steps: Lower the sound so it’s no more than 60% of the maximum volume. Then limit your time listening to 30 to 60 minutes.
#2. On-the-job noises
People who work in construction or landscaping are surrounded by loud noises.3, 4 So are hairdressers, who blow-dry their clients’ hair throughout the day.
How loud?
- Jackhammers: 130 dB
- Gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers: 80 to 110 dB
- Blow dryers: 90 dB
Safety steps: People can be safely exposed to 90 decibel noises for about 4 hours, Griffith notes. So those who work at hair salons might consider putting in ear plugs after 4 hours.
What if you work in an industry where you’re around jackhammers, leaf blowers and other types of heavy equipment 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? Then you’ll definitely need ear protection, Griffith says. Safety earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones may be a good choice, as they’re easy to place over your ears to block out noise.
#3. Sporting events
Going to a pro game or a high school or college event? Either way, it can get loud. There’s cheering, band music and whistle blasts from the refs. There may even be fireworks.
How loud? 95 to 110 dB, although some indoor college ice hockey games have registered 120 dB.2, 5
Safety steps: “While the noise level can climb up to 110 decibels pretty easily, it goes back down really quickly,” says Griffith. So you may not be exposed to those higher-level decibels for more than 30 minutes, he adds.
If you are, then pop in ear plugs. Band members, cheerleaders, referees and even players who are nearest to the loud noises should wear ear protection too.5
#4. Loud parties or bars
Wherever there’s loud music, there’s the potential for noise that can damage your hearing. [LINK TO: “Tips for enjoying concerts when you wear hearing aids”]
How loud? 105 to 110 dB4
Safety steps: “In a really loud bar setting, 15 to 30 minutes without some type of hearing protection could cause hearing loss, says Griffith.
Your best protection is to wear ear plugs, he suggests. But if that feels awkward, just take breaks, he adds. Go outside for about 10 minutes every so often to give your ears a rest, especially if they’re ringing.
#5. Movie theaters
Watching a 2-hour action movie in a cinema can get noisy. Especially with loud sound effects blasting through the speakers.
How loud? 74 to 104 dB2
Safety steps: Keep a set of earplugs in your bag or pocket. Then put them in if the sound becomes too uncomfortable. “All they do is take the edge off the sound,” Griffith says. “You’re not going to lose the ability to hear the conversations, but it’s going to lower that sound to be a little more comfortable for you.”
Movies aren’t continuously blasting your ears at 104 decibels, he notes. It’s usually a minute or two at that level. But listen to your body. When the sound bothers your ears, put in the earplugs.
Ready to request a hearing exam and consultation? AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing has a national network of hearing care professionals. Request an appointment.
#6. Activities like snowmobiling, motorcycling or target shooting
There are some outdoor activities where the decibel levels stay low – like strolling through a quiet neighborhood.6 But other activities or hobbies can be harmful to your hearing. These include snowmobiling, motorcycling and hunting or target shooting.2, 6, 7
How loud?
- Snowmobile: 100 dB
- Motorcycle: 80 to 110 dB
- Firearms: Over 140 dB
Safety steps: Ear protection is a must if you’re doing any of these activities. Earmuffs are best because they can cover more of your ear. Or consider earplugs with filters that let you block out loud sounds (like gunfire) and still let you hear soft ones (like the rustle of a deer, say). Wear both for more protection.7
You never know when you might find yourself in a place that’s too loud. To play it safe, buy a pair of earplugs from a drugstore or order them online. Then take them along wherever you go.
Sources
- Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults National Council on Aging. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- Noise-induced hearing loss National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) Cleveland Clinic. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- What are safe decibels? Hearing Health Foundation. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- Have fun at sporting events – but protect your hearing too AIHA. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- Common noise levels – how loud is too loud? International Noise Awareness Day. Accessed November 19, 2025.
- Hunting? Be sure to protect your hearing Mayo Clinic Health System. Accessed November 19, 2025.
Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
AARP Hearing Solutions is available to all AARP members and does not require a health insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. The AARP hearing program discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, coupons or hearing aid benefit plans unless noted herein. Products or services that are reimbursable by federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid are not available on a discounted or complimentary basis. AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. UnitedHealthcare Hearing is provided through UnitedHealthcare, offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific hearing aid discounts. This is not an insurance nor managed care product, and fees or charges for services in excess of those defined in program materials are the member's responsibility. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse nor guarantee hearing aid products/services available through the hearing program. This program may not be available in all states or for all group sizes. Components subject to change.
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