Some decibel (dB) levels for common noises are:

• Firearms: 140 to 170 dB
• Chain saw or rock concert: 110 to 120 dB
• Personal stereo players (CD, iPod, MP3): 110 to 120 dB
• Farm machinery: 90 to 110 dB
• Certain children’s toys: 110 dB
• Snowmobile: 100 dB
• Motorcycle, lawnmower: 90 dB
• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• Quiet room: 50 dB
• Whisper: 30 to 40 dB

Note: The decibel levels for electronic devices depend entirely on the user and the volume he or she chooses to select. How many times have you walked past someone and you could clearly hear the music playing on their earphones? The same is true of car stereos blasting so loudly in traffic that you feel the vibrations in your own car.

That kind of noise-induced hearing loss won't necessarily leave you totally deaf. It will, however, cause temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear. If you are exposed to a loud noise for less than 15 minutes you may experience a temporary hearing loss. During this time you may develop a ringing or clicking in your ears called tinnitus.