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 are likely to lead to hearing loss” (Daniel, 2007, p. 226). Excessive noise exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, poor communication skills and reduced self-esteem; however, it can be prevented in many situations. This document 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 level of intensity of the noise in relation to the time of exposure to the noise. According to NIOSH, sound levels that exceed a time-weighted average of 85 decibels dB(A) over an 8-hour time period are considered hazardous. It is recommended that exposure time be reduced 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 & Jerson, 1985). Most people are unaware of the decibel system and what 85 dB equals, but according to the article: “How loud is too loud? Minimize noise exposure to protect hearing,” if someone has to scream to be heard, it is probably 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 in relation to age. They present the same amount of 8–16 kHz oc... in the center of the paper... lt and health on work. 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 Loud is Too Loud? Minimizing Noise Exposure to Protect Your Hearing (cover story). 70(2), 12-13.Kujawa, SG and Liberman, MC (2006). Acceleration of age-related hearing loss due to early noise exposure: evidence of a wasted youth. Journal of Neuroscience, 26(7), 2115-2123. Levey, S., Levey, T., & Fligor, B. J. (2011). Noise exposure estimates of urban MP3 player users. Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research, 54(1), 263-277. Wachman, E. M., & Lahav, A. (2011). The effects of noise on premature infants in neonatal intensive care. Archives of Diseases in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition, 96(7), F305-F309.