How much noise is too much noise?

If you need to raise your voice or shout in order to be understood in background noise, then the noise is too loud. Either do something to limit the noise, such as turn it off or turn it down, or move away from the noise.

If your ears “ring” after you have been in loud noise, or the world sounds a little quieter, then the noise level was hazardous to your hearing.


Leisure and music

Don't imagine for a moment that it is only workplace noise that has an effect on your hearing. The ear cannot distinguish between noise produced by work activities and noise produced by leisure activities, even though leisure noise may bring a lot of pleasure.

If you attend discos, motor races or fireworks displays take earplugs with you. Learn to fit earplugs correctly, because they offer little protection if poorly fitted.

Take “time out” periodically in a quiet area, or limit the amount of time you spend there.

If you are listening to your personal stereo with your earphones and you don’t hear someone speak to you, then the music is too loud. Personal stereos turned to hazardous levels are an increasing cause of hearing damage, particularly amongst young people.


Noise regulations

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission sets the national standard for noise exposure in the workplace (www.worksafe.gov.au).
Most States and Territories adopt this national exposure standard. However, you should check with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority in your State or Territory for the precise requirements for your workplace.
Noise exposure in the workplace is minimised through risk management, ranging from removal or elimination of the noise source to reliance on hearing protectors such as ear plugs and/or earmuffs.

source: Australian Hearing used with kind permission