Sound in Our Daily Lives
A. Musical Sounds
- In our daily life, we enjoy hearing sounds of different qualities.
- We hear the sound produced by musical instruments such as the recorder, guitar, violin, drum.
- Sound of these instruments has a tone with characteristics such as controlled pitch and quality that have a pleasant effect on our hearing sensation.
- The sounds that are pleasant to our ears are called musical sounds.
B. Unpleasant Sounds
- However, some sounds have unpleasant effects on our ears, such as the sound of motor vehicles, the slamming of a door, and the sounds of machinery.
Definition of Noise
- Sound which has an unpleasant effect on our ears is called noise.
- Noise corresponds to irregular and sudden vibrations generated by some sources.
- Noise is pollution, has become a significant issue of concern all over the world.
- Noise is an unpleasant sound that is harmful not only to human health but also to other species.
Sources of Noise Pollution
- Transportation equipment and heavy machinery are the primary sources.
- For example, the noise of the machinery in industrial areas, loud vehicle horns, hooters, and alarms.
Health Effects of Noise Pollution
A. Immediate Effects
- The excessive noise level has harmful effects on human health as they can cause conditions such as stress and disturb concentration.
B. Long-term Effects
- Over time, hearing loss, sleeping disorder, aggression, hypertension, high-stress levels can occur.
Safe Noise Levels
- A safe level of noise depends on two factors: the noise level, and the duration of exposure to the noise.
- The noise level recommended in most countries is usually 85-90 dB over an eight-hour workday.
Solutions to Reduce Noise Pollution
- Noise pollution can be reduced to an acceptable level by replacing the noisy machinery with environment-friendly machinery and equipment, placing sound-reducing barriers, or using hearing protection devices.