The Loudest Sound In The World Would Kill You On The Spot, by Maggie Koerth-Baker.
The article is a tour de force about sounds we can hear, sounds we can’t hear, and sounds that can kill. Ok, the last bit is a passing reference, but the article is fascinating. Click the link. You’re welcome.
Beyonce gig was heard eight miles away.
But not so much if you’re not a fan.
Q: If the concert can be heard eight miles away, what is the sound system doing to the ears of the concert goers?
A: Invest in hearing aid companies. Sadly, that will be a growth industry.
July 20, 2016 Acoustics, Health and Noise, Hell is other people, Public health, Quality of Life 0 Read more >
Schumer urges Port Authority to expedite noise studies addressing “airplane noise being emanated over the communities closest to John F. Kennedy International Airport on the South Shore of Queens such as the Five Towns and several others, and LaGuardia Airport on the North Shore of the borough.”
July 19, 2016 Everyday noise, Health and Noise, Hearing protection, Hell is other people, Noise Pollution, Peace and Quiet, Public health, Quality of Life 0 Read more >
July 18, 2016 Everyday noise, Health and Noise, Hell is other people, Noise Pollution 0 Read more >
Mysterious noises plaguing Southern California town baffles residents.
Unlike some of the whistles or hums heard in other parts of the world, the mystery sound in Alhambra, California is described as a “loud, booming noise that sounds louder than a firecracker explosion.” Residents say there have been about 100 of these explosions since February of this year.
Fox News being Fox News, the article closes with this inane tidbit:
[Town resident] Saunders is interested to see how long the booms will be a mystery. But whether the noise is something extraterrestrial, she expressed some doubt, according to NBC Los Angeles.
“I believe that anything’s possible, but I don’t think these are aliens,” Saunders said.
If we had to guess, the logical explanation would be police or military weapon testing. But it’s just a guess.
Study shows that coffee impedes hearing recovery from noise.
For those of us who love coffee, this study gives us one more reason to fight back against noise.
Thanks to Quiet Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our health, environment, and quality of life, for the link.
July 15, 2016 Health and Noise, Medical and scientific news, Uncategorized 0 Read more >
.Noise Complaints Rising In New York City.
New York City has a noise code [pdf warning]. It’s pretty comprehensive and is looked to as a model for other cities. So why the rise in noise complaints? One reason the article notes is this: Police said writing noise complaint tickets is to an officer’s discretion.
Police probably do not have the training and equipment to properly monitor noise complaints, and noise is probably low on the priority list. If cities are going to seriously address noise pollution, they need to have a designated team of professionals to investigate noise complaints and issue citations. Until that happens statutes will rarely be enforced and noise polluters will continue unabated.
July 14, 2016 Everyday noise, Hell is other people, Noise Pollution, Public health, Quality of Life 0 Read more >
So are a handful of members of congress serving Massachusetts, who “are calling on the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study about the health effects of air traffic noise and pollution on humans.”
The request for more research follows on the heels of a five-fold increase in aircraft noise complaints with the Massachusetts Port Authority. Citing a joint public health 2013 study by Harvard University and Boston University showing a link between exposure to aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease, the request asks for research on the health impacts from noise and jet emissions, such as carbon dioxide.
July 13, 2016 Everyday noise, Health and Noise, Noise Pollution, Public health, Quality of Life 0 Read more >
How to Combat the Background Noise in Restaurants.
The article discusses Action on Hearing Loss’s “Speak Easy” campaign which takes aim at high noise levels in restaurant chains. The charity conducted a survey of nearly 1,500 people across the UK and found that “eight out of ten people have left a restaurant, cafe or pub early due to noise levels” and that 91% said that they “would not return to a venue they considered to be too noisy.” Armed with the statistics, the charity “produced a practical guide to help the catering industry improve customer experience levels with noise reduction measures.” This is a brilliant approach to an often ignored problem. Kudos to Action on Hearing Loss.
July 12, 2016 Acoustics, Design, Everyday noise, Hell is other people, Noise Pollution, Restaurant noise 0 Read more >
July 10, 2016 Everyday noise, Health and Noise, Medical and scientific news, Noise Pollution, Public health, Quality of Life 0 Read more >