The Hobbies Most Likely to Cause Hearing Loss

Hobbies are important. They contribute to our overall health and well-being by helping us relax and escape everyday stressors. Audiologists know that some hobbies may be detrimental to hearing, but some hobbies might surprise you with their risk of noise exposure.

Boots Hearingcare (2024) surveyed more than 1,000 Britons to determine which hobbies may be putting hearing at risk. Not surprisingly, watching live motorsports and live music topped the list as the most dangerous hobbies for your hearing, topping out at 140 dB and 115 dB sound pressure level (SPL), respectively. Hobbies like gardening and baking, which most of us consider relaxing and relatively quiet, made the list at around 85 dB SPL each. The number one hobby putting Briton’s hearing at risk was video gaming. While this hobby may not top the list in decibel level, on average, gaming was taking place an average of four days a week.

The survey also found that over two-thirds of respondents did not believe they needed to wear hearing protection. This is concerning because the World Health Organization states that one can listen to 12.5 hours of noise over 85 dB SPL per week safely, which breaks down to approximately 45 minutes/day. Most hobbies that we engage in obviously last longer than that recommended time. 

The moral of the story is to protect your hearing while engaging in hobbies, especially if you will be participating for extended periods of time. Who knew pots, pans, and trowels could cause so much damage? 

References

Ng K. (2024) The hobbies most likely to cause hearing loss, from baking to football. Aol (accessed September 27, 2024).

Boots Hearingcare. (2024) Hearing lifestyle. (accessed September 27, 2024).