Healthy noise levels

The damage to your ears from a short time exposed to loud noise might not last – your hearing might return after a few hours away from that noise. But if you keep spending time exposed to loud noise, your ears do not recover, and the damage lasts for life.

If you have to shout to be heard by someone 1 metre away, the noise is too loud, and your hearing may be at risk.

Protect your hearing

Whether you are at home, or out and about, it is important to protect your hearing. There are a few easy steps you can take.

• Keep the volume down. Remember that devices like phones, speakers and car stereos can damage your hearing if turned up too loud. Loud music while wearing headphones can also be detrimental.
• Avoid using noisy equipment and spending time in noisy environments where practical.
• If using noisy equipment or in noisy environments, always wear protective equipment such as earmuffs or earplugs.
• Limit exposure to excessively loud noises. Even a short amount of time in these environments can damage your hearing.

Noise in a workplace is controlled under health and safety legislation. WorkSafe is the primary regulator.

Noise — Worksafe (external link)

General noise from the environment does not usually cause hearing damage. These noises can disrupt sleep and increase the risk of various health effects, such as cardiovascular disease.

Environmental noise is controlled under the Resource Management Act and local councils are the primary regulator.

If you are worried about environmental noise, including issues like noisy parties or other neighbourhood noise, contact your local council.

Councils in Aotearoa — Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) (external link)

Environmental noise cannot be avoided, but there are some steps you can take to minimise disruption in your home.

• Use sleeping spaces on a quiet side of the building if possible.
• Fit mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning so windows can be kept closed. Windows left open or ajar for natural ventilation and cooling are a weakness that allows noise into houses.
• If mechanical ventilation is fitted, also upgrade window glazing to reduce noise passing through the glass.

Noise around the home — HealthEd (external link)

See the Waka Kotahi guide for more information about acoustic treatment of buildings.

State highway guide to acoustic treatment of buildings — Waka Kotahi (external link)