Hearing science, answered.
Forty-plus questions people actually ask us, answered by Your Ears Rock. Pick the guide that matches your life. Every answer starts short; the full explanation is one click away.
85 dBA is a workplace average, not the whole story.
NIOSH recommends 85 dBA as an 8-hour time-weighted average for occupational noise. Environmental noise and personal audio have different guidance; lower levels and shorter exposure reduce your sound dose. CDC/NIOSH
Volume × time
Every 3 dBA increase halves the time to the NIOSH recommended daily dose: 85 dBA for 8 hours, 88 dBA for 4 hours, or 91 dBA for 2 hours. CDC/NIOSH
Temporary vs. permanent
Hearing may seem to recover after loud noise even when permanent damage has occurred. Ringing or muffled hearing is a reason to reduce exposure and seek professional advice if it persists. NIH/NIDCD
Hair cells do not grow back
Sensory hair cells convert movement in the inner ear into signals for the brain. Loud sound can damage these cells, and human hair cells do not grow back. NIH/NIDCD
See ear anatomy and healthy vs. damaged hair cells · Compare exposure recommendations · Learn about hearing aids
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What is sound, how we hear, how loud is too loud, how to select and wear protection, understanding audiograms, OSHA regulations. Hands-on demonstrations and sound simulations.