Listen Smart – Safely Handling the Power of Sound

Posted on February 27, 2016 by sleduc

Create a Blog Post and Take Notes

Create to blog post titled, Listen Smart – Safely Handling the Power of Sound
- Create the following headings and reminders for content:
  - Can You Hear This?
    - Hearing Test: http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2009/03/can-you-hear-this-hearing-test/
    - Sound Levels: http://makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt
  - Listen Smart – Safely Handling the Power of Sound
    - Embed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4HA6qm5C64
    - Take notes on listening safely
  - 3M™ Hearing Conservation Worker Training Video
    - Embed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilsqGcCmPeQ
    - Take notes on listening safely
  - SoundAdvice.info For Audio Career Tips
    - Examine soundadvice.info for information about sound safety in the workplace
    - Take notes on sound careers and safety
  - Chart of Sound in the Environment
    - Insert a chart with volume levels from Mr. Le Duc’s blog post

Student Samples

Decibel

The decibel (dB) is commonly used in acoustics as a unit of sound pressure level.

Sound pressure is a field quantity, therefore the field version of the unit definition is used:

$L_p = 20 \log_{10}\!\left(\frac{p_{\mathrm{rms}}}{p_{\mathrm{ref}}}\right)\!~\mathrm{dB},$

– wikipedia

Can You hear This?

How well can you hear?

Check out this frequency test: http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2009/03/can-you-hear-this-hearing-test/

Hearing loss happens very quickly at high audio volumes, like your iPod turned up loud. How loud?

Check out this list: http://makeitlouder.com/Decibel%20Level%20Chart.txt

Watch Listen Smart – Safely Handling the Power of Sound

https://youtu.be/dVzMMv5KhMQ

Image from soundadvice.info

This site will prepare you for the sound issues related to the at work in music and entertainment
Examine soundadvice.info for information about sound safety in the workplace

Sound Levels and Recommendations

The information below is from HearNet.com

When you notice a difference between loud sounds and quiet ones, your ears are perceiving changes in sound pressure level. Intensity (or volume) is measured in decibels (dB). Zero (0) dB is the softest sound that can be heard. Normal conversation is around 40dB to 60dB, a whisper around 30dB. A rock concert can average between 110 and 120 dB. Pain from hearing is subjective. Levels below 125 dB may be painful to some individuals. The sound from a jet plane is approximately 140 dB.

At rock shows, the dB level can be as great as 140 dB in front of the speakers, but less than 120 dB at the back which is still very loud and dangerous.

OSHA PEL Recommends

The maximum exposure time for unprotected ears per day is 8 hours at 90 dB , A-weighted, slow response For every 5- dB increase in volume, the maximum exposure time is cut in half.

95 dB – 4 hours
100 dB – 2 hours
110 dB – 30 min
120 dB- 7.5 min

Many hearing professionals believe that these permissible levels are still too high for hearing safety.

NIOSH Recommends

the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends 85 dB for eight hours a day. The maximum exposure time for unprotected ears per day is 8 hours at 85-dB, A-weighted, slow response For every 3- dB increase in volume, the maximum exposure time is cut in half.

88 dB – 4 hours
91 dB – 2 hours
 97 dB – 30 min
103 dB- 7.5 min

Sound Levels Chart

Image from hearnet.com

Sound Levels at CHS

Conversation in the gym, before an assembly is about 80 dB
The national anthem, drill team with msuic, and a band playing are about 110 dB

Another Chart of Sound in the Environment