|
| What is Noise? |
| In today's world
we are constantly bombarded with sound.
Many sounds are enjoyable, but unfortunately
there are often situations where sound
becomes noise. So what is noise? The
reason there are differences in what
is perceived as noise is that some people
are more sensitive to sound than others.
But we can all agree that noise is unwanted
sound; and in terms of our hearing,
a loud noise is a sound that may cause
hearing impairment. For people with
a hearing loss, background noise presents
a particular problem because their ability
to understand speech in noisy surroundings
is usually very limited. Added to this
is the problem that some hearing aids
not only amplify speech, but also back-
ground noise, making hearing clearly
in noisy situations very difficult. |
 |
| How Does Noise Damage
Our Hearing? |
| The ear is a complex
organ and its delicate parts can be
damaged by the impact of loud sound.
The inner ear is furnished with sensory
cells, which convert sound into nerve
impulses that can be under- stood by
the brain. If they are exposed to very
loud sounds, these sensory cells can
be damaged or destroyed. As these cells
cannot heal or regenerate, permanent
hearing loss may well result. Therefore,
it is important to take care of our
hearing by being cautious about our
exposure to noise. |
|
| Noise Limits |
| To reduce the risk
of hearing loss resulting from exposure
to noise in the workplace, most countries
have introduced regulations that limit
the permitted daily noise exposure of
workers employed in noisy environments
to 85 dB. This limit is based upon the
intensity of the noise and the length
of time of exposure. The higher the
noise intensity, the shorter the time
that the worker is permitted to work
within that noise. Applying the same
criteria to other sources of noise would
put someone, perhaps listening to a
very loud concert at levels of 110 dB,
at risk of some permanent hearing impairment
after just a few minutes. |
|
| Sources of Noise |
| We live in a noisy
world. We are exposed to all kinds of
sounds at work and our children have
noisy lives in day care centres, schools
and clubs. Leisure activities such as
sports, the cinema and concerts, as
well as the sounds of traffic, all contribute
to the noise around us. Music is usually
an enjoyable experience, but when it
is too loud it becomes harmful noise.
At a rock concert the noise level can
be as high as 120 dB. Portable CD/tape
players, which are particularly popular
among young people, are also a potentially
serious source of noise if used for
lengthy periods of time at a high volume.
|
|
 |
| Avoiding Noise |
The best we can
do for our hearing is, of course, to
avoid excessive noise. This can be difficult,
but there are several important steps
we can take. In general, we should be
aware of the various potential sources
of noise and strive for a healthier
sound environment. We can also "listen"
to our own ears. If loud sounds feel
uncomfortable or painful, our ears are
telling us that the sound could be causing
damage. This is the body's own warning
system. Unfortunately, the ear's ability
to warn us of dangerous noise levels
can be reduced, for example when drinking
alcohol.
Wearing hearing protection is a good
solution when we are in very noisy environments.
There are a great variety of products
available that can be used to block
out noise. At music festivals, concerts
and in discotheques, where the sound
level is often uncomfortably loud, it
is a good idea to use earplugs. Even
these tiny, discreet devices can offer
significant protection. |
 |
|
| What To Do If The
Damage Has Already Been Done? |
| Our sense of hearing
is an essential part of communication
and is consequently of significant importance
to our social well-being. If one's hearing
ability begins to falter, steps should
be taken as soon as possible to optimise
communication and quality of life. While
a few symptoms of hearing problems can
be treated medically or surgically,
hearing loss caused by exposure to harmful
noise is best helped by hearing aids.
The sophisticated amplification provided
by today's hearing aids can be a big
help towards better hearing. |
|
| Back
to Articles Page |
|
Information 