The lawn equipment and other power tools you use for yard work are designed to be powerful and effective. However, this equipment also creates extremely loud noises that can harm your hearing after prolonged exposure. Understanding how noise levels can potentially impact your ears is crucial for protecting them. Here's a closer look at the decibel levels associated with power equipment and how you can guard against them.

Why Lawn Equipment Can Be Dangerous for Your Hearing

Cells inside the inner ear are responsible for taking sound waves and converting them into electrical signals, which are interpreted by the brain. Very loud sounds cause damage to these cells, which can result in hearing loss, depending on the length of exposure. Once damaged, inner ear cells do not regenerate. 

Decibels are a measurement of sound waves, and sounds over a certain decibel level can harm your hearing. Any sound over 70 decibels, such as a washing machine, can harm your hearing after an extended period of exposure. Sounds over 120 decibels, which include police sirens at close range, can damage your hearing instantly. For comparison, equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers range from 80 to 85 decibels, which can cause irreversible damage after just two hours of exposure. 

How You Can Protect Your Ears

Hearing protection is a must when working in your yard. Earplugs are an affordable option available at most drugstores. However, if you regularly use powerful equipment capable of generating loud noises, consider investing in a pair of custom-designed earmuffs, which can provide enhanced protection with a more comfortable fit. 

You should also avoid prolonged sound exposure, even when you wear ear protection. Try to take breaks during yard work sessions by breaking up chores over the weekend. If you plan on using two different types of loud equipment on the same day, take a break in between to give your ears a rest. 

The team at Southside Equipment not only stocks a wide selection of quality lawn equipment, but they can also help you find the perfect eye and ear protection to keep you safe and healthy. With more than 30 years of experience behind them, the staff members are always happy to answer your questions and offer professional guidance. They even provide equipment repairs to keep you up and running for years. Customers in Milledgeville, GA, and the surrounding communities can call (478) 452-5523 for more information. Visit the website to learn more about their inventory of Kubota®, Cub Cadet®, Exmark®, STIHL®, and Land Pride® products.