Question

extended exposure to certain sounds can be harmful. which sound may damage hearing? refrigerator running (40 decibels) vacuum cleaner running (70 decibels) hair dryer blowing (80 decibels) shotgun firing (145 decibels)

Explanation:

Generally, sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing - damage with extended exposure. The shotgun firing at 145 decibels is far above this threshold.

Answer:

shotgun firing (145 decibels)