Download The Power of Sound!

The Power of Sound!
For most of us, each day starts with the buzz or ring of an alarm clock.
We reach over to turn it off and get up to start the day never thinking
about all the sounds we will hear throughout the day or about how
valuable our hearing really is.
This training session is intended to give you general
information about how to protect your hearing in
both work and home environments.
What is sound?
Sound waves are tiny ripples that travel through the air. The louder the
sound, the larger the sound wave. This measurement is called a Decibel
or db. The louder the sound, the higher the Decibel. A good example of
this is a loud concert. You can actually feel the vibrations coming from the
instruments. However most everyday sounds don’t create such large
sound waves. These sounds can only be detected by a sound detecting
device like a dosimeter (noise meter) or the ear.
Sounds also have different frequencies. This
measurement is called hertz or Hz. As sound is
created it has a repeating pattern which
creates the pitch. 1 Hertz repeats 1 time per
second. If a sound is 500 Hz it is a low sound
like a tuba or bass guitar. It the sound is
20,000 Hz it probably higher than most of us
can hear. Normal everyday sounds we
encounter are generally between 500Hz & 2000Hz
How does the ear work?
Well the ear is simply a funnel to channel
sound into the functioning part if you’re
hearing. This is where the magic takes place.
As sound enters your ear the first thing it
encounters is your ear drum. The ear drum
detects these tiny ripples and sends the
vibrations to the middle ear and on to the
inner ear, or Cochlea. The Cochlea contains
tiny hairs which send electrical impulse to the
brain which converts this Impulse to sound.
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How do we loose our hearing?
There are several types of hearing loss. First, as we age,
our hearing naturally starts to become less sensitive
causing us to turn up our television sets. This hearing loss
is often is often referred to as “Central” hearing loss.
When this happens, the brain no longer processes the
impulse. Another way we can loose our hearing is “Conductive” hearing
loss. This is generally a problem in the outer portion of the ear.
Conductive hearing loss is often treatable with medical procedures. And
last we have hearing loss that is caused by loud sounds. It’s called
“Sensorineural” loss, which is damage to the tiny hairs in the inner ear.
Once damaged, they can no longer send impulse’s to the brain resulting
in fewer signals. Fewer signals, less sound! No signals = No sound! Once
this hearing loss occurs, it can not be corrected.
When do we loose our hearing?
Most people think hearing loss only occurs in loud area.
Well, they’re part right. Hearing loss begins at 90
decibels, which is equal to a screaming child. So if you
think about it, hearing loss can occur almost anywhere!
A simple rule with hearing loss is; the louder the sound,
the less time it takes to cause damage. For example; a
Jack Hammer produces about 130 db. With this level of
noise, hearing loss can begin within seconds and result
in permanent hearing loss. An alarm clock produces
about 80 db which will never result in hearing loss.
Keep an open mind about your hearing:
Remember, some hearing loss is forever. It’s worth the few moments to
protect yourself.
Hearing loss can occur anywhere, not just in noisy
areas.
Many devices you have at home are loud enough to
cause hearing loss.
Use hearing protection if you have hobbies such as
racing or shooting.
Hearing loss is a gradual process. Just because you didn’t completely
loose your hearing today doesn’t mean you didn’t take part of it away.
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The Power of Sound!
Safety Quiz
T or F
Decibel is a measurement of how loud a sound
is?
T or F
Damage to the tiny hairs in the Cochlea is
considered permanent damage?
T of F
Hearing loss starts to occur at 100 db?
T or F
Hearing loss only happens at work?
T or F
I use hearing protection at home when I use the
lawn mower or loud power tools?
Employee Name _______________________________________
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