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Noise-induced hearing loss can occur from a single incident, such as firecrackers exploding close to a person’s ear, or it can happen gradually due to repeated exposure to loud sounds over time. Even small increases in sound intensity can damage a person’s fragile inner ear structures and cause hearing loss, says Dr. Rather, it is logarithmic and better represents how changes in sound intensity feel to our ears, explains Jaclyn Schurman, an audiologist and training officer with the NIDCD. However, unlike other measurement units, the decibel scale isn’t linear. The higher the decibel number, the louder the sound is perceived, says Kelly King, Au.D., an audiologist and program officer with the NIDCD. Decibel Levels And Hearing Health: What To Knowĭecibels (dB) are a measurement unit of sound intensity, also referred to as volume, sound power or sound pressure, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health.
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