What Is Considered as Harmful Noise?

Hi everyone!

I have read lots of people are suffering from noise induced tinnitus. I am wondering what is considered as noise? I mean can sound from usual household appliances like cooking chimney, electric kettle, vacuum cleaner be considered as harmful noise?

 

No

 

Can be used as as a guideline.

You can get a special devices that will measure accurately decibel levels. There is many apps as well for the iPhone and android; their accuracy may vary though.

 

Yes. Interestingly enough, vacuum cleaners above 80db have just been banned by the EU.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/12/noisy-vacuum-cleaners-eu-rules-brexit

"The move has been welcomed by the Quiet Mark group, which includes cleaners in its tests. It says it has not been uncommon for some to emit around 95 decibels, a level that could damage hearing if exposure is regular and prolonged; 85 is the so-called “action level” where heavy-duty hearing protection, through ear plugs or headphones, is recommended."

 

Industrial decibel meters are quite affordable (I bought one for the equivalent of 35 dollars) and will give you an accurate reading. Phone apps are useful but I found that they're inaccurate, especially for louder noises - so it might happen that your phone shows 80dB (which is a safe level) but in reality you're experiencing 90+dB (which is unsafe).

If I have to go to an event where there's a danger that the noise will be too great (such as a loud restaurant, or a wedding that I just can't avoid), I bring the decibel meter, plus earplugs. If the meter shows I'm over 75-80dB - the earplug goes in. If the noise is too much even with the earplug, I excuse myself and leave - safety first.

The great thing is that this is data-driven, so I know with certainty whether I'm safe or not. Gives great peace of mind.

Edit: I also use earplugs when vacuuming, I measured my vacuum cleaner to emit about 85dB, just not worth the risk. Same goes for power tools in the garden, home repairs involving hammers etc.

 

I would stay away from loud concerts or nightclubs...in retrospect, things like vacuum cleaner and blender should also be considered not that good...
I would advice for wearing earmuffs when running them.

 

There's your first mistake. You don't ever *have* to go.

 

I avoid whatever noise gives me T spikes (even if they are temporary) or ear fullness. The vacuum cleaner is certainly on that list.

In other words, I think of T spikes and ear fullness as pain = a signal to stop doing whatever is causing it, to ensure that things don't get worse.

 

The best hearing protection is asking someone else to run them, while you are safely away in another room (on another floor, if there is one at your place).

Give this to your family members who don't suffer from tinnitus. There is a good chance that the sounds that can give you T spikes are quieter than the ones marked as dangerous on this chart.

 

Just because it doesn't have an impact on your tinnitus or doesn't make your tinnitus spike, doesn't mean it couldn't worsen someone else's tinnitus.
The majority of people with tinnitus is probably fine with those noises, otherwise, everyone would develop severe tinnitus after some time, but I still don't think that it would hurt to wear earplugs/ear muffs e.g. while vacuuming or using a blender.

 

Early on during your T journey, consider giving your ears a break to give them a chance to recover. During the first 12-24 months after the onset of T, consider avoiding even the noises that don't give you any T spikes or ear fullness.

 

Make that "just because it doesn't have an impact on your tinnitus YET"

 

Yeah, you could skip your own wedding.

 

I use massive red industrial earmuffs to vacuum, blend up my morning smoothie and blowdry my hair. We had guests the other night and they thought it was hilarious

 

You shouldn't have a loud wedding if you have tinnitus. Do it (the right thing) for the sake of your spouse.

You might not be as safe as you think. Muffs can provide a false sense of security...

 

Really? Is there something else I should use?

 

If you are not getting spikes afterwards, you might be ok. But why not get someone else to use those noisy appliances (or to vacuum half as often) for the next year or so? That way you would be doing everything you can to give your ears a chance to recover. That's what I have been doing.

You should know that many people on this forum argue that since a vacuum cleaner is 80dB, hearing protection ought to bring the noise down to a safe level. However, there are some who are convinced that they get spikes (albeit temporary) after being exposed to those noises. Why take a chance that this is not promoting your healing, if you don't have to?

 

I just added an extra paragraph to my original post.

 

Well, unless your wife is forcing you to go. At gunpoint.

 

You can let your carpet get grungy ~ like mine.
(I'm afraid to vacuum so I keep postponing it.)

 

I should have skipped mine.
Well, maybe next time.

 

I just laughed out loud.

 

@Holly1987

I use pretty big ear muffs to vacuum, too. They work beautifully to mute the sound. Not my best accessory, but they always get me a chuckle or two.

 

Be careful not to accidentally bump them on a door etc when you're wearing them, the thud is soo loud!

 

I’ve got those in red . Got them from Toolstation.

 

I bought a pair of Peltor X5a's on @Bill Bauer recommendation. I can barely hear my wife talking those suckers are so good. I haven't touched a vacuum since this started but the thought crossed my mind as I'm home from work today. I suppose thinking about vacuuming is a good sign.

 

@Ed209
Mine are from Princess Auto. Great minds think alike!

 

Isn't this the truth! @Holly1987

 

Done that many times! First time was whilst I was hoovering the stairs .

 

I got two the fat ones , but I like this because it much smaller. Got it on Amazon.