Hearing protection and volume

In short: Noise damages the hair cells in the inner ear, and these do not grow back. Permanently loud music or noise can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss.

In more detail: Loudness is measured in decibels (dB). From about 85 dB, damage threatens with prolonged exposure.

In detail

• Examples: Whisper 30 dB, conversation 60 dB, road traffic 80 dB, concert or club over 100 dB.
• Rule of thumb: If you can no longer understand your conversation partner, it is too loud.
• Headphones: At most 60 percent volume, not longer than 60 minutes at a time.
• Concerts: Hearing protection earplugs (concert plugs) attenuate without distorting the sound.
• Breaks: Let the ears recover after loud phases.
• Warning signs: Ringing or hissing in the ear, muffled hearing after noise: rest immediately, see a doctor if it persists.
• Work: Wear hearing protection for loud activities (werkzeug-grundausstattung-fuer-zuhause).
• Children: Pay particular attention to toys and headphones.