Appendix
Sources & Citations
All information in the Safe Sound Guide is based on peer-reviewed research,
official health organization guidelines, and established audiological science.
Below are our primary sources.
Health Organizations
World Health Organization (WHO)
Make Listening Safe Initiative
Source for global hearing loss statistics, safe listening guidelines, and the 1.1 billion at-risk figure.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure
Source for occupational exposure limits, the 85 dB threshold, and the 3 dB exchange rate.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95)
U.S. regulatory standards for workplace noise exposure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Hearing Loss Prevention
Public health guidance on noise-induced hearing loss prevention.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
NIH resource on causes, prevention, and research related to NIHL.
Professional Associations
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Professional standards and patient education resources from the world's largest audiology organization.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Hearing Conservation
Public education resources on hearing protection and conservation.
American Tinnitus Association (ATA)
Understanding Tinnitus
Information on tinnitus prevalence, causes, and prevention strategies.
Key Research & Statistics
Global Burden of Disease Study
The Lancet, 2021
Epidemiological data on hearing loss as a global health burden.
Recreational Noise and Hearing Loss
International Journal of Audiology, Various Studies
Peer-reviewed research on hearing damage from concerts, personal audio devices, and recreational activities.
Temporary Threshold Shift Studies
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Research on temporary vs. permanent hearing damage and recovery patterns.
Educational Programs
Dangerous Decibels
Oregon Health & Science University
Evidence-based hearing health education program with peer-reviewed curriculum.
It's a Noisy Planet
NIDCD / National Institutes of Health
NIH public education campaign on protecting children's hearing.
Decibel Levels & Exposure Times
Common Sound Levels
Multiple Sources: CDC, NIOSH, OSHA
Decibel measurements for common sounds are compiled from CDC, NIOSH, and published acoustic measurements. Values may vary based on distance, environment, and measurement conditions.
Safe Exposure Duration Formula
NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)
Safe listening times are calculated using the NIOSH 3 dB exchange rate: for every 3 dB increase above 85 dB, safe exposure time is cut in half.
Medical Disclaimer
The Safe Sound Guide is an educational resource and is not intended to replace
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided here
is based on published research and official health guidelines but should not be
used for self-diagnosis. If you are experiencing hearing difficulties, tinnitus,
or any concerns about your hearing health, please consult a licensed audiologist
or hearing healthcare professional.