This is -- we hope -- where at least a few of your questions about hearing loss and noise get answered.

Since it's our belief that most FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) compilations are not always loaded with questions that people ask frequently, our section title, OAQ, stands for Occasionally Asked Questions.

If you find this a useful format for receiving information, try a few of the Web sites listed under Related Links on this page or visit our Webliography page -- many of these sites include lists of questions and answers about the numerous topics within the general areas of hearing and hearing loss.

QUESTION:  Sounds above what decibel (dB) level are generally considered potentially damaging after eight hours of exposure -- 40-45 dB, 85-90 dB or 120-125 dB?
ANSWER:  The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and most experts agree that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing loss. For sounds in the 120-125 dB range, mere minutes of exposure may cause hearing damage.

QUESTION:  Prolonged, regular exposure to sound from which of the following sources is not likely to damage hearing -- ringing telephones, Husker football games at Memorial Stadium or some childrens' toys?
ANSWER:  Ringing telephones produce short-term sound of about 80 dB, not enough to damage hearing. By comparison, sporting events can produce short-term sound levels up to 125 dB, louder than some rock concerts. Some children's toys have been measured at up to 110 dB during normal play, and up to 135 dB if held close to the ear.

QUESTION:  Noise-induced hearing loss is which of the following -- preventable, inevitable or uncommon in young people?
ANSWER:  With proper precautions (avoidance, ear plugs, ear muffs, , noise-induced hearing loss is largely preventable. Nevertheless, it is becoming much more common in the general population, especially among young people.

QUESTION:  Once noise-induced hearing loss takes place, what can be done to restore normal hearing: complicated surgery, absolutely nothing or wearing a hearing aid?
ANSWER:  Absolutely nothing -- the nerve damage is irreversible. Not even a hearing aid can restore a normal range of hearing. However, there is a phenomenon known as "temporary threshhold shift": in which a short-term hearing loss may occur, followed by a return to normal (or nearly normal) hearing. After a number of such incidents the temporary threshhold shift may become permanent.

QUESTION:  Early signs of noise-induced hearing loss do NOT include which symptom -- ringing in the ears, pain in the ears or difficulty hearing high-pitched voices and sounds?
ANSWER:  Noise-induced hearing loss is painless and gradual. Because people commonly lose high frequency first, they often find early on that women and childrens' voices are harder to hear. Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus, is another early sign of nerve damage.

  Video 4: Hearing loss is irreversible