It’s Noisy Out There
1/19/2010
I’ve
been noticing the increase in noise level in our public space for some
time--have you? I’ve mostly been grousing about it privately, but now
we need to speak up, because it is leading to a greater incidence of
hearing loss, particularly among children, teens, and young adults.
Whereas noise-induced hearing loss was formerly associated primarily
with old age, hearing specialists have been seeing more young patients
with the problem. Perhaps the most common cause is the use of iPods or
other mp3 players at high volume settings: the top volume can be higher
than is safe. Several companies now market players for kids that cannot
be set above a safe volume level. Attendance at loud concerts can also
be a contributing factor.
In addition we have the layering of sound in the average home. For
example, the dishwasher is running in the kitchen, one family member
turns the volume on the TV up to compensate, someone else is trying to
listen to music on an iPod and turns that up, someone else is talking on
a phone and has to talk louder, etc. Noise from lawnmowers or
snowblowers and traffic outside add more.
The noise levels in restaurants are far higher than they used to be.
Formerly, restaurants were built to be quiet, but now use flooring and
wall surfaces that reflect rather than absorb sound. A room full of
lively conversation is thought to attract more customers, yet at the
same time assure them that their conversations won’t be overheard.
Also, in a noisy environment, customers spend less time eating, leaving
the table sooner, so that the restaurant can accommodate more customers
in a given amount of time.
To learn more about noise-induced hearing loss, its causes and
prevention, particularly as related to the young people in your life,
visit The National Institutes of Health website Noisy
Planet.
