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Comprehensive Otolaryngology

Noise Exposure Levels From Common Household Equipments

Tuesday, October 3, 2023
4:18 PM - 4:24 PM East Coast USA Time
Location: 101AB

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Amelia K. Ramsey, MD

    Resident
    University of Tennessee
    Memphis, TN, United States

  • JL

    Jordan B. Luttrell, MD

    Resident
    University of Tennessee
    Memphis, TN, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Anas Eid, MD

    Assistant Professor - Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgery
    Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery University of Tennessee Health Science Center
    Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
Anas Eid, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Introduction: The increased use of electronic devices and household appliances may create a new acoustic hazard. With machines and household appliances becoming more powerful, they may bring more acoustic noise. This study aims to quantify and compare the noise exposure levels from common household appliances and the potential for these items to cause hearing damage.

Methods: Sound level measurements were conducted in a simulated home environment using a decibel measuring app NIOSH sound level meter (NIOSH SLM). NIOSH SLM has been tested and validated with an accuracy of ± 2 dBA according to standards in a reverberant chamber at the NIOSH acoustics lab.
Noise exposure levels were recorded for 10 common household appliances and devices.

Results: Results showed that the average noise exposure levels could reach as high as 103.6 dBA in hair dryers, 97.3 dBA in vacuum cleaners, and 108 dBA in blenders. The results also revealed that many household appliances generated noise levels above the recommended safe limit of 70 dBA. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend maintaining environmental noises below 70 dB.

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that exposure to household noise is a prevalent issue, with some appliances generating hazardous noise levels. Further research is needed to investigate the potential health effects of this exposure. In addition, manufacturers should consider decreasing noise exposure and increasing the distance between motors and noise sources from the user's ear in their designs.