At what decibel level is hearing damage likely to begin during prolonged exposure?

Prolonged exposure to sound levels beginning at 80 dB can lead to hearing damage. The threshold for potential hearing loss is associated with the intensity and duration of sound exposure. At 80 dB, which is comparable to heavy traffic noise or a loud vacuum cleaner, the risk of damage increases significantly with extended exposure, typically over several hours.

Hearing protection is often recommended at this level to mitigate long-term risk. Noise-induced hearing loss is a cumulative effect, meaning that even lower levels of noise can become damaging if exposure is sustained over time. This makes awareness of sound levels in environments such as workplaces, concerts, or busy streets essential for safeguarding auditory health.

Understanding these risks helps in advocating for protective measures in environments where sound levels frequently reach or exceed this threshold.