Final answer:
Hearing damage can occur from exposure to noise levels above 90 decibels, and prolonged exposure to levels above 85 decibels should be avoided without proper hearing protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hearing damage may occur if excessively exposed to noise above 90 decibels (dB). Exposure to sounds from 80 dB and above can damage hearing over time, with risks increasing significantly at higher volumes. For instance, listening to rock music or being near a jackhammer, which typically exceeds 85 dB, can pose risks to hearing health. Notably, listening to music through earbuds at maximum volume, which can reach about 100-105 decibels, can cause noise-induced hearing loss after just 15 minutes of exposure. To prevent hearing damage, it's recommended by government agencies and health-related professional associations to avoid exposure to sounds above 85 dB for prolonged periods (8 hours) without hearing protection.