Harmful noises are everywhere. “The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that approximately 30 million Americans are exposed daily to noise levels that could cause hearing loss” (Daniel, 2007, p. 226 ). Excessive noise exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, poor communication skills and reduced self-esteem; however, this can be avoided in many situations. This article will discuss how much noise exposure can occur before it becomes dangerous, the long-term effects of noise exposure at an early age, and the main reasons why preventable socioacusis occurs. The extent of damage resulting from noise exposure depends on the intensity level. noise in relation to the duration of exposure to noise. According to NIOSH, sound levels that exceed a time-weighted average of 85 decibel dB(A) over an 8-hour period are considered hazardous. It is recommended to reduce exposure time by half for every 3 dB increase in intensity above 85 dB, because noise exposure increases with time and intensity (NIOSH, 1998). Impulsive sounds such as gunshots or firecrackers can exceed 150 dB(A) and cause immediate and irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (Axelsson and Jerson, 1985). Most people aren't aware of the decibel system and what 85 dB equals, but according to the article: "How loud is too loud?" Minimize noise exposure to protect your hearing,” if someone has to shout to be heard, it is likely loud enough to cause hearing damage (Johnson, 2011). To further evaluate the effects of noise exposure, Kujawa and Liberman conducted a study to determine the long-term effects of noise exposure based on age. They have the same amount of occ. from 8 to 16 kHz...... middle of paper ......lts. Occupational safety and health topics. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/research/attitudes.htmlDaniel, E. (2007). Noise and hearing loss: a review. Journal of School Health, 77(5), 225-231. Johnson, A. (2011). How much is too strong? Minimize noise exposure to protect your hearing (cover story). Family Safety and Health, 70(2), 12-13. Kujawa, SG and Liberman, MC (2006). Acceleration of age-related hearing loss by early exposure to noise: evidence of wasted youth. Journal of Neuroscience, 26(7), 2115-2123. Levey, S., Levey, T. and Fligor, B.J. (2011). Estimates of noise exposure for urban MP3 player users. Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research, 54(1), 263-277. Wachman, E.M. and Lahav, A. (2011). The effects of noise on premature infants in the NICU.Archives of Disease in Childhood -- Fetal & Neonatal Edition, 96(7), F305-E309.