- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of New Zealand’s most common health and safety problems, with an estimated 71,000 New Zealanders affected.
- Hearing loss usually develops gradually from everyday noise, such as power tools, lawnmowers, concerts and loud headphones, not just one-off loud events.
- Early signs include ringing in the ears, trouble following conversations in busy places, and turning the TV up louder than usual.
- Wearing hearing protection, keeping headphone volume around 60% and getting an early hearing check can all help prevent further damage.
Many people are surprised to learn that hearing loss usually occurs gradually and can be caused by some everyday sounds, not just major accidents or loud explosions. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss in NZ is becoming increasingly common, especially as we spend more time around loud machinery, music, and recreational noise.
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is one of the most common health and safety problems in New Zealand. Approximately 71,000 New Zealanders have hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss happens due to the combination of how loud the noise is and how long you are exposed to it: the louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing loss to occur.
Early signs of noise-induced hearing loss can include:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) after noise exposure
- Trouble hearing conversations in busy places
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning the TV up louder than normal
What sounds can cause hearing loss?
Some loud noises can cause damage almost instantly, such as fireworks, gunshots, or explosions close to the ear. More often, however, hearing loss develops slowly over time through repeated exposure to noise. A good rule of thumb is that if you need to raise your voice to speak to someone standing a metre away, the noise is likely loud enough to damage your hearing, even if your ears seem “fine” afterwards.
Some common examples include:
- Lawnmowers and leaf blowers
- Power tools and DIY equipment
- Farming machinery and tractors
- Construction sites
- Hunting and shooting sports
- Motorbikes
- Live concerts and sporting events
- Music played through headphones or earbuds at full volume
What can I do to protect my hearing?
The good news is that noise-related hearing loss is often preventable. Here are 3 things you can do today to protect your hearing:
- Wear hearing protection whenever you’re exposed to loud sounds, including power tools, noisy work environments, at concerts and sporting events. There are many different types of earmuffs and earplugs available in New Zealand. Learn more about the different types of hearing protection here.
- If you use headphones or earbuds, keep the volume at around 60% and take regular listening breaks.
- Workplace noise is another important factor. Many New Zealanders work in environments where loud sounds are part of daily life, including farming, construction, forestry, manufacturing, transport, and engineering. Over time, repeated exposure to machinery and equipment noise can gradually affect hearing, even when the damage is not immediately noticeable. Wearing hearing protection consistently is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help protect your long-term hearing health. Check that your employer has provided hearing protection appropriate for the noise levels in your workplace. Visit WorkSafe here to find out more.
Many people wait years before seeing an audiologist. But early intervention can make communication easier, reduce listening fatigue, and help prevent hearing loss from impacting your relationships and wellbeing. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, get in touch to learn more about how we can support you or book your appointment today on 0800 737 662.
Resonate. The Podcast
Hello! I’m Clara. After 24 years of practising audiology in New Zealand, I still think of myself as a young lady – chatty, curious and loving a good belly laugh. I was born in Zimbabwe 53 years ago and grew up in that wild and lovely country with my two sisters and two brothers. I came to New Zealand in 2002 and settled in Tauranga, where I joined the community choir and enrolled in the local library to enjoy my two life loves: music and reading.
