How Loud Is a Supermarket Tag Alarm? Can It Cause Hearing Damage/Worsen Tinnitus?

I have been having some awful ear issues lately.

I have muffled hearing in my left ear.

Was diagnosed with ETD and was put on nasal steroids.

Today I went to the doctor and he said I had dry wax compacted in my left ear. Great News got some Oil and also Otex.

On my way back, I went to a Sainsbury's for cloths (don't go there usually, COVID-19).

On the way out the alarm went off and I was right next to one. I was there for a good 5 seconds and it was loud. I moved away. They said they hide tags under the trousers! Well take them off!

I let it go but there has been a crazy spike in loudness and my right ear sounds muffled and dull.

How loud do those things get, could they cause damage? It wasn't a "painful" sound.

I assume they must follow some safe guide?

 

Those alarms are about 100 decibels but they are not dangerous because of the short duration they last.

 

Thanks, did you measure them or would you say that's an estimate?

 

One of the workers estimated it to be that. I guess you could email them and ask for a confirmation on the loudness level.