Everyday noises can damage your ears

AAP Some of the most common daily activities could be causing hearing damage, an expert has warned.

Hairdryers, food processors, lawn mowers, noisy restaurants and even the daily train commute are putting Australians at risk of hearling loss, an expert says.

One in six Australians suffer from hearing loss, and this is expected to rise to one in four by 2050.

"Exposure to everyday noises, not age, will be the leading cause of hearing loss in the near future," says Professor Richard Dowell, director of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Cochlear Implant Clinic.

A new Cochlear survey found that while 71 per cent of Australians know going to a nightclub and listening to loud music on headphones can damage hearing, less than a quarter believe hearing can be affected by day-to-day noises.

The level at which noise can cause permanent hearing loss begins at about 85dB, typical of a hairdryer, food processor or kitchen blender.

Prof Dowell says there's a belief that if you don't do something very often, such as going to live music events or attending a sporting event, it won't damage your hearing in the long run.

"However, no matter how seldom you participate in an activity, there is still the very real possibility that it is causing you permanent damage."

Health organisations and groups are encouraging Australians to look after their hearing health as part of Hearing Awareness Week, which runs until August 30.

It comes as parents of some of Australia's 20,000 deaf children are fighting to block the sale of Australian Hearing, which they say is an essential Federal Government service providing free hearing aids and cochlear implants to thousands of young Australians.

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Everyday noises can damage your ears