When does sound become dangerous?
People's sensitivity to sound differs. In general, it can be said that a level of more than 80 dB(A) can damage hearing. When people have to talk more loudly to make themselves heard, the environmental level will be 80 dB(A) or higher. The higher the level, the greater the risk of hearing damage. Very loud noises of a short duration, such as those caused by an explosion or the firing of a gun can result in pain and an immediate serious or even permanent loss of hearing. Exposure to a noise level between 80 and 120 dB can cause "imperceptible" damage - damage that people are unaware of at the time, but that they notice only when it has happened and it is too late. The longer the length of time one is exposed, the greater the damage that is caused.
