Question

extended exposure to certain sounds can be harmful. which sound may damage hearing?
refrigerator running (40 decibels)
vacuum cleaner running (70 decibels)
hair dryer blowing (80 decibels)
shotgun firing (145 decibels)

Explanation:

To determine which sound may damage hearing, we refer to the threshold of harmful sound levels. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage. Among the options:

• Refrigerator running (40 dB) is a low - level sound, not harmful.
• Vacuum cleaner running (70 dB) is also relatively low and not harmful for hearing with normal exposure.
• Hair dryer blowing (80 dB) is close to the threshold but still below the typical harmful level for extended exposure in most cases.
• Shotgun firing (145 dB) is well above 85 dB, and such a high - intensity sound can damage hearing even with short exposure.

Answer:

D. shotgun firing (145 decibels)