Hairdryers and Loss of Hearing

QUESTION: I recently read a booklet about loss of hearing due to loud noises.
Does that mean the dryer at my hairdresser may be a dangerous device that can
be robbing me of my hearing?
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ANSWER: The effects of loud sounds upon hearing depend upon two factors, the
intensity of the sound (how loud, measured in decibels) and the amount of time
you are exposed to the sound. Obviously all dryers do not make the same
amount of sound, but you may assume that if the noise level is high enough to
interfere with understanding speech, it may be high enough to do some damage,
but only if you are exposed to it for a long enough period of time. I doubt
that either the intensity or exposure time to beauty parlor hair dryers
qualify. The amount of discomfort you may be suffering can not help us
evaluate the situation, as that does not relate directly to the possible
damage. You may be wise, however, to obtain a pair of ear plugs, or use
wadded cotton in your ears to reduce your hazard.