Toronto’s Soundscape in Photos: Hidden Hearing Risks in Urban Exploration
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Toronto offers countless striking scenes for avid photographers, from the iconic murals of Graffiti Alley to the vibrant, ever-changing streets of Kensington Market. With each turn, there’s a new visual story waiting to be captured. Yet, while photographers often focus on the city’s visual aspects, Toronto’s soundscape is an equally vital factor to consider.
While photographers explore urban areas, they are often exposed to auditory hazards. These unexpected sounds may have an impact on long-term hearing, making it more difficult to enjoy and engage in urban photography.
The Urban Explorer’s Auditory Landscape
Toronto is a highly populated city with a lot of surrounding activity. Whether the loud environment is caused by streetcars, construction, live music, or traffic near Union Station, it can pose a real threat to hearing.
Exposure to loud noise for an extended period of time could lead to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). NIHL is a form of hearing loss caused by external factors. It can affect people of any age, including teens and young adults. The hearing loss may often be overlooked by artists or adventurers who don’t expect that proximity to loud environments to impact their hearing at all.
Understanding Sound Levels
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and levels above 80 dB can begin to damage hearing. As a rule of thumb, the higher the decibel level, the shorter the safe exposure time. To better understand when sound becomes a risk, here are a few familiar Toronto scenarios along with their estimated decibel levels and the safe exposure times associated with each:
The Hidden Risks: What Your Ears Might Be Telling You
Even if hearing loss hasn’t crossed your mind, your ears might be sending you signals you can’t ignore, including:
Muffled or distorted speech
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Difficulty following conversations
It may be hard to notice the signs immediately, as damage is usually gradual and goes unnoticed. If photographers are carrying around photography equipment, such as tripods and camera bags, it can make it harder for them to react to loud environments. That’s because the weight of the equipment can make it hard to quickly move from a noisy area to a quieter one. Inadvertently, this can increase the duration of loud noise exposure.
Balancing Creativity and Care
For creatives to continue picturing Toronto’s renowned cityscape, these practical tips could help keep their hearing as sharp as their photographs:
Take noise breaks: If you’re picturing a live concert on Sankofa Square, taking a few minutes between songs can help your ears take a break from the loud noise exposure.
Use earplugs: Wearing earplugs in high-decibel areas like at a concert or subway stations could protect your ears if you’re not able to step away for a break, and you can keep snapping pics without missing a beat.
Monitor decibel levels with smartphone apps: You may not be aware of the current decibel level or whether your ears are currently at risk or not. Apps that monitor the surrounding areas' decibel levels can give you quick details on what precautionary steps you should be taking, if any.
Where to Turn: Sound Advice for Sound Preservation
With these easy-to-implement ideas, you should be able to protect your hearing while following your passions. And, if you ever want to check in on your hearing health, HearingLife offers free hearing assessments at many hearing centres across the GTA. For freelancers or students managing a budget, flexible financing options are available to help make hearing support more accessible:
A three-month, 0% interest short-term plan
Low-interest options ranging from one to five years
Listen While You Look
Toronto is a vibrant hub for visual storytelling, but behind every photo opportunity lies a soundscape that’s just as powerful, and potentially harmful.
Whether capturing motion in a bustling intersection or snapping still moments at a street performance, your hearing is just as important as your vision. By understanding the hidden hearing risks with urban exploration and taking simple, preventive steps, photographers can preserve their creative freedom while maintaining their long-term hearing health.
About the author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.
