SAFEEars! Began in 2003 as Sertoma’s National Service Project. In its inaugural year, 115 of our club’s participated, educating more than 250,000 individuals about the prevention of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Today there are over 200 clubs participating in the project, and many families are receiving information on how to protect their hearing. Our club currently has budgeted $500 to become more active in this program. Anna Gorecky and Jeff Fitch are forming a committee to begin the process of educating and distributing protectice devices as the local race tracks and the competitive shooting ranges including Rice Creek in Little Falls, Wild Acres in Jenkins and and the Lakeshore Conservation Club. Anna and Jeff are looking for volunteers to help with this committee.

Every day, we experience sound in our environment, such as the sounds from television and radio, household appliances, and traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time—sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells in the inner ear that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

Scientists once believed that the pure force of vibrations from loud sounds caused the damage to hair cells. Instead, recent studies have shown that exposure to harmful noise triggers the formation of molecules inside the ear that can damage or kill hair cells.NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels. For example, the humming of a refrigerator is 40 decibels, normal conversation is approximately 60 decibels, and city traffic noise can be 85 decibels. Sources of noise that can cause NIHL include motorcycles, firecrackers, and small firearms, all emitting sounds from 120 to 150 decibels. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before NIHL can occur. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.

Although being aware of decibel levels is an important factor in protecting one’s hearing, distance from the source of the sound and duration of exposure to the sound are equally important. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are “too loud” and “too close” or that last “too long.”

People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults, and older people, can develop NIHL. Approximately ten percent of Americans between ages 20 and 69—or 22 million Americans—already may have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive noise exposure. Exposure occurs in the workplace, in recreational settings, and at home. Recreational activities that can put someone at risk for NIHL include target shooting and hunting, snowmobile riding, woodworking and other hobbies, playing in a band, and attending rock concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from lawnmowers, leafblowers, and shop tools. Here are some examples of dangerous decibel levels: firecrackers 150, rock concerts 140, boom box-thunder-heavy machinery 120, chain saw 110, wood shop 100, and lawn mower-motocycle 90.

NIHL is 100 percent preventable. All individuals should understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health in everyday life. To protect your hearing: