A WVU audiologist says protection — such as earplugs, shown here, or earmuffs — is essential to prevent hearing loss when operating lawn equipment. (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)
As noise from mowers, blowers, chippers and whackers fills neighborhoods and events like outdoor concerts and fireworks displays draw crowds, a West Virginia University audiologist is warning temperatures aren’t the only thing shooting sky high in the summer months.
Common landscaping tools can reach decibel levels capable of damaging hearing in as little as 15 minutes, according to Eric Johnson, assistant professor in the WVU School of Medicine Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Johnson is available to discuss noise-induced hearing loss, which is painless, progressive and permanent, but can be prevented with earplugs or protective earmuffs.
Quotes:
“Over time, repeated exposure to loud sounds can cause irreversible damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This damage adds up, even if each individual exposure seems minor. Once that damage is done, there is no way to restore natural hearing. Hearing aids turn up the volume but can’t do much about the lack of speech clarity that is so frustrating for many with hearing loss. That’s why prevention is crucial.
“In general, sounds below 70 decibels are considered safe. But once you get into the 85-decibel range, it becomes important to consider both the volume and the length of the noise exposure. Think of it like sun exposure — the brighter the sun, or louder the sound, the less time it takes to do damage. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends limiting unprotected exposure to 85 decibels to no more than eight hours, but at 100 decibels, damage can occur in just 15 minutes.
“Many common sounds of summer exceed 85 decibels. A gas-powered leaf blower can reach 100 decibels or more. A firework exploding at close range can be extremely loud — 150 decibels or more — which could cause instant, permanent hearing damage.
“If you’re the one using noisy equipment, hearing protection is a must. But even bystanders can be at risk depending on how close they are and how long they’re exposed to the noise. If you’re within a few feet of a leaf blower, chainsaw or race car engine, you should be wearing hearing protection. Foam earplugs or earmuffs can reduce noise by 15 to 30 decibels and are widely available and inexpensive.
“Both Android and Apple have apps, like the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app for iPhone, that can monitor decibel levels around you and in some cases even alert you to dangerously loud noise.
“Events like concerts or car races often reach sound levels of 100 decibels or higher, which could leave you with permanent hearing loss after several hours. The good news is that there are high-fidelity earplugs, designed for music lovers, that lower the volume without distorting the sound. If you love live music or motorsports, wearing ear protection lets you enjoy the experience safely — and still hear well for summers to come.” — Eric Johnson, assistant professor, Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, WVU School of Medicine
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ls/6/11/25
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