Tests show that present sound levels can hit an ear-piercing 120 decibels, which can permanently damage hearing.

Vuvuzelas sound like a herd of charging elephants and may damage hearing.

Noise well below levels that damage hearing can increase blood pressure, fatigue and stress, medical studies show.

This can push gunk further in and damage hearing.

Many of these tools produce sound levels high enough to damage hearing if precautions are not taken.