Painful sound levels go from 120 dB on up. Volumes of approximately 50 dB are pleasant for us, while the discomfort threshold starts at around 100 dB. Prolonged or intense noise above 85 decibels can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. The lowest perceivable volume, meaning the quietest sound humans can hear, is 0 decibels. The further the line is below 0, the greater the impairment. To measure volume we use the unit of decibels abbreviated to dB. The human range is commonly given as 20 to 20,000 Hz, although there is considerable variation between individuals, especially at high frequencies, and a gradual loss of sensitivity to higher frequencies. Sound levels damaging the cochlea are indicated here, regarding the European Legislation. An emphasis is made on the time limit exposure for each dangerous level. An example of an audiogram is shown below (see Figure 2). Hearing range describes the frequency range that can be heard by humans or other animals, though it can also refer to the range of levels. For every 3 dBAs over 85dBA, the permissible exposure time before possible damage can occur is cut in half. While 85 decibels can cause hearing damage after 8 hours of exposure, 88 decibels begins to permanently affect your hearing after just 4 hours, showing what a.
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