Turning down the volume of audio equipment and reducing the time spent in noisy environments can also help to reduce hearing damage. The damage to hearing is caused by the noise affecting the hair cells in the inner ear which are very delicate and can get irretrievably damaged.ĭamage to hearing can be reduced with the use of ear plugs or ear muffs and their use is now recommended for most industrial workers exposed to constant noise. Loudness of noise doubles with every 10 decibel increase in noise levels and damage to hearing can be caused by even very short exposure to it. Health effects are noticed once noise levels cross 85 decibels and exposure to the noise is for a prolonged length of time. Such impairment is permanent and is now even occurring at very young ages due to the proliferation of audio systems and their constant use by the younger generation. Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing impairment that afflicts a substantial portion of the human population especially around urban centers. Image: Wikipedia - Jackhammer Impacts of Noise Pollution Manufacturers of transportation and other equipment have also addressed the matter of urban noise pollution by introducing sound absorbing techniques around their engines. Noise abatement methods using sound baffles or absorbers are nowadays standard fitments in buildings and on urban roads. City planners have set standards for allowable noise and also have laws in place which allow such equipment only at particular times. The rhythmic nature of the noise created by these urban machines, or by audio systems used for entertainment, causes constant irritation to the ear.
The noise levels are further accentuated by the reflecting surfaces of buildings and glass which can amplify these noises till they reach unbearable levels. Vehicles and engines like generators, compressors, and drilling machines are the chief causes of noise pollution in urban areas. Noise pollution is caused by people or machines that produce a high environmental noise that has a deleterious effect on the health of humans and animals. Image: - 407730 LCD Digital Sound Level Meter Causes of Urban Noise Pollution Digital sound level meters can measure noises in the range of 40 to 130 decibels with an accuracy of ☒ decibels.
Sound level meters measure the pressure levels caused by the sound and translate them into electrical impulses that are registered on a meter. Besides hearing damage, noise can also affect persons in other ways that would need them to seek medical attention. Noises above 45 decibels will disturb a person’s sleep, while noises above 120 decibels can become painful and cause hearing damage. This means that a 10 decibel increase in noise constitutes a doubling of loudness.ĭistance also reduces the noise reaching the ear the further a person is away from the source of noise. Noise intensity is measured in decibels and the scale by which it is measured is logarithmic. Standards have been set out by the Environmental Protection Agency which sets the standards for allowable noise levels for the human ear. Noise is a pollutant that is controllable and is amenable to abatement technology.