How Loud Is a Supermarket Tag Alarm? Can It Cause Hearing Damage/Worsen Tinnitus?

[johnsole65]

I have been having some awful ear issues lately.

I have muffled hearing in my left ear.

Was diagnosed with ETD and was put on nasal steroids.

Today I went to the doctor and he said I had dry wax compacted in my left ear. Great News got some Oil and also Otex.

On my way back, I went to a Sainsbury's for cloths (don't go there usually, COVID-19).

On the way out the alarm went off and I was right next to one. I was there for a good 5 seconds and it was loud. I moved away. They said they hide tags under the trousers! Well take them off!

I let it go but there has been a crazy spike in loudness and my right ear sounds muffled and dull.

How loud do those things get, could they cause damage? It wasn't a "painful" sound.

I assume they must follow some safe guide?

 

[Bobbette]

Those alarms are about 100 decibels but they are not dangerous because of the short duration they last.

 

[johnsole65]

Those alarms are about 100 decibels but they are not dangerous because of the short duration they last.

Thanks, did you measure them or would you say that's an estimate?

 

[Bobbette]

Thanks, did you measure them or would you say that's an estimate?

One of the workers estimated it to be that. I guess you could email them and ask for a confirmation on the loudness level.