Leaf blower noise causes permanent hearing loss, letter says
A reader in London has written to The Guardian stating that a leaf blower caused permanent hearing loss and hyperacusis in her left ear. The letter responds to a previous column about antisocial garden tools, noting that leaf blowers were not mentioned. The writer said the noise was “dreadful and can be life-altering.” She reported that the leaf blower she purchased had no warning stickers about using ear defenders. Seven months after the incident, she is now learning to live with hearing aids and experiences sensitivity to loud noise. The letter was published in the newspaper’s letters section on June 1, 2026.
What’s reported
The writer, Miranda Fagandini, purchased a leaf blower that she described as “so loud” it caused permanent hearing loss and hyperacusis in her left ear.
The leaf blower had no warning stickers advising the use of ear defenders.
Seven months after the incident, she is learning to live with hearing aids and covers her ears on the underground.
The letter was published in The Guardian on 1 June 2026, responding to a column from 27 May 2026 about the sound of lawnmowers.
Key figures
Miranda Fagandini (letter writer, resident of New Malden, London)
Sources: The Guardian
