Frequency risk from loud sounds

[Fulltimemuso]

Hi guys,

I realise loud sounds in any frequency range can damage hearing, but is it generally the high frequency sound that cause mote damage?

The general rule is if the sound is below 85db it's safer. So I'm trying to figure out how loud is safe in certain situations.

We are told the 88db is the sound level of a food blender. But a food blender doesn't really have bass frequencies.

What would 88db sound like in bass frerquencies? For example if I was at a gig with earplugs that blocked mostly higher frequencies but still let the sub bass through - how much of this would be needed to damage my hearing?

Sorry I know this doesn't exactly make sense, but if anyone can figure out what I'm getting at, this would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Dazza2024]

I think High Frequencies are more Damaging, the pitch tends to hurt my ears if it is loud, like an Alarm, Crying Baby, Dog Barking. I have high frequency hearing loss and tinnitus at that level also. I think it is the High Pitches, at low decibels, that also do damage, I also got low frequency tinnitus from Bass I think as well. The Freq hertz is sound vibrations & high frequency is a lot. I think all noise over 85db is damaging over time, but, I think for my ears and others the high frequency is more damaging or easier to damage the hairs. Shot Guns also damage hearing, but, often that is in the low frequency range as well. Dentists drills can damage hearing after a while, I agree with Food Blenders, some are over 95db and they hurt many peoples ears, where as bass at 95db don't seem to hurt the ears as much. The same with the rumble of a lawnmower at 75-95db is low frequency and a smoke alarm is high frequency. I also used to use headphones, I tested it and they are 55-64decibels into my ear, but, I do wonder if long term use, even at safe levels without letting the ears rest, has added to tinnitus problems. I had a private hearing test & it isn't too bad, but, I have damage & drop off from 12-14,500, this could be classed as natural aging or damage, it is unknown, but, I have tinnitus at this level, that won't go away yet.

If you play this -

audionotch.com/app/tune/

Thru the frequency range, you will notice if the volume is loud, some frequencies will hurt your ears, even without adjusting the volume. 85decibels is given as a rule of thumb, but, I think for some people, it isn't safe levels. -

[Fulltimemuso in reply to Dazza2024]

Hi, interesting to discuss. Thanks for the info and the link