article_snippet: Just by listening to music at what you probably think is a normal level, or hanging out in loud bars, nightclubs and music and sporting events, you can permanently damage your hearing.
article_snippet: It doesn't take much time to damage your hearing at a sports bar or nightclub.
article_snippet: According to the WHO, "exposure to noise levels of 100 dB, which is typical in such venues, is safe for no more than 15 minutes.
article_snippet: When it comes to personal listening devices, the level of damage you can cause to your ears is directly correlated to how long you listen and how loud the sound.   
article_snippet: "Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85dB for eight hours or 100dB for 15 minutes," says WHO.
highlights_snippet: Damaging levels of noise also come from spending time in loud bars or sporting events .
  