Noise – the facts at your fingertips

Did you know…

• Auditory nerves can be permanently damaged from prolonged exposure at 90 dB
• 120 dB can cause pain and ringing in the ear
• Sharp pain and extensive destruction of the auditory nerves occurs at 140 dB
• At 150 - 160 dB massive destruction of the auditory nerves and persistent ringing in the ears will occur immediately
• Prolonged exposure to loud environment cuts down productivity, creates stress and can lead to accidents.
• A 5-decibel reduction can cut the risk of hearing loss in half.
• Of human-created noise harmful to health or welfare, transportation vehicles are the worst offenders, with aircraft, railroad stock, trucks, buses, automobiles, and motorcycles all producing excessive noise.
• Subjected to 45 decibels of noise, the average person cannot sleep. At 120 decibels the ear registers pain, but hearing damage begins at a much lower level, about 85 decibels. The duration of the exposure is also important.

(Sources – various)

One in six people are bothered, annoyed or disturbed by noise from neighbours inside their homes
National Noise Survey 2008, MORI

One in ten are bothered, annoyed or disturbed by noise from pubs/clubs/entertainment venues and commercial premises
National Noise Survey 2008, MORI

During the World Cup 2006, the audience roar following a goal in a football stadium reached 110dBA, which is comparable to the noise levels of a nightclub. The blaring of horns reached levels as high as 130 dBA
Deafness Research 06/06