We live in a world filled with sound — from morning alarms and boiling kettles to car horns, music, and crowded conversations. But how loud is “too loud,” and could your daily routine be putting your hearing at risk?
At Coastal Hearing, we’re here to raise awareness about everyday noise levels and how they affect your long-term hearing health.
How Loud Is Everyday Life?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and even seemingly harmless noises can contribute to long-term hearing damage if exposure is frequent or prolonged.
Here’s a quick look at common everyday sounds and their average decibel levels:
Sound Decibel Level (dB)
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Whisper 30 dB
Normal conversation 60 dB
Busy street traffic 70–85 dB
Hairdryer or vacuum cleaner. 85–90 dB
Lawn mower or leaf blower. 90–100 dB
Motorbike. 95–110 dB
Live concert or nightclub. 100–120 dB
Headphones at full volume. 100–110 dB
Fireworks or ambulance siren 120–140 dB
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Anything over 85 dB can potentially damage your hearing, especially with prolonged exposure.
The Risks of Repeated Noise Exposure
While a single loud event — like a firework display — can cause immediate hearing damage, most noise-induced hearing loss is gradual and caused by repeated exposure over time.
This type of hearing loss is:
- Permanent
- Preventable
- Often ignored until it’s advanced
If you’ve ever experienced ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after a noisy event, your ears are telling you they’ve been overworked.
Are You at Risk in Your Daily Life?
You don’t need to work on a building site to be at risk. Many everyday activities can affect your ears:
- Commuting on loud trains or buses
- Listening to music through earbuds or headphones
- Spending time in noisy cafés, gyms, or bars
- Using power tools or gardening equipment at home
- Attending sporting events or concerts
Even children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to harmful noise levels via video games, music, and social environments.
Protecting Your Hearing
At Coastal Hearing, we recommend the following simple steps to protect your ears:
✅ Follow the 60/60 Rule – Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time with headphones.
✅ Use Ear Protection – Wear earplugs or custom-moulded ear protectors when exposed to loud sounds.
✅ Limit Exposure – Take regular breaks from noisy environments.
✅ Get Regular Hearing Checks – Especially if you’re frequently in loud settings or notice signs of hearing changes.
Expert Advice from Coastal Hearing
If you live in North Wales and are concerned about your hearing or want advice on protective solutions, we’re here to help.
Our experienced audiologists at Coastal Hearing offer:
- Hearing tests
- Noise protection consultations
- Custom-moulded ear plugs for musicians, bikers, swimmers and more
Let’s work together to protect your hearing — so you can enjoy the sounds you love for years to come.
📍 Available in Colwyn Bay, Prestatyn, Anglesey, and Mold
📞 Book your hearing check today