Noise

Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in the 28 million people with impaired hearing in the United States, and health statistics suggest a trend that the incidence of hearing loss is occurring at younger and younger ages. If you have to shout to be heard three feet away, then the noise is too loud and is damaging your hearing (Center for hearing and communication, 2012).

I chose noise as a stressor because the school I am currently working at in the West Chicago suburb is located a block away from a railroad, and about three blocks apart from the intersection of FOUR railroads. I talked to some student’s parents about any way they have been affected because of that loud noise, and no one has been affected in any way, maybe they are used to it, as I already am because when I am in the classroom I don’t notice the train is passing by. One dad, who works for a landscaping company, told me they have soundproof windows at home, with specific thickness and some separation in between two layers in each window. He also told me people who have enough land can use some noise barriers, like earth berms, walls, fencing, or landscaping.

Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in the 28 million people with impaired hearing in the United States, and health statistics suggest a trend that the incidence of hearing loss is occurring at younger and younger ages (Center for hearing and communication, 2012).

I found that noise can be related to high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, cardiovascular deaths, strokes, suicides, degradation of the immune system (Center for hearing and communication, 2012), language acquisition, reading and learning skills, and social interactions(The Franklin Institute Online, 2004), like an increase in aggression and a decrease in cooperation.

In New York City, there are thousands of children attending to schools near elevated train tracks, and studies have found that some preschoolers attending day-care centers, near this noisy area, did poorer on tests on psychomotor skills. After some studies showing that children were being affected in their reading and learning abilities, the Transit Authority was convinced by parents and local public officials to install rubber pads on the tracks to lower the din, and the Board of Education installed acoustic ceilings in the noisy rooms. The result was a drop in the decibel level (Center for hearing and communication, 2012), which helped children to improve their learning and reading abilities.

The Center for Hearing and Communication (2012) establishes that there are some noises that can be avoided, like:

NOISY TOYS: Certain rattles, squeaky toys, toy telephones, and musical toys measure over 110 decibels (comparable to power tools). Children play with these toys close to their ears and manufacturers do not warn parents that sounds emitted from toys may be damaging to hearing. Parents must listen to toys before buying them and if the toy sounds too loud, don't buy it!

VIDEO ARCADES: Noise levels at video arcades can exceed 110 decibels (the level of factory machinery). Parents should limit their children's time at these arcades.

COMPUTER GAMES & STEREO SYSTEMS: Children should be cautioned to keep the volume down. Some systems are as high as 135 decibels (the level of a jackhammer).

PERSONAL STEREO SYSTEMS WITH HEADPHONES: These systems have been known to produce sound levels as loud as 105 - 110 decibels. Children, who listen to music this loud, for several hours a day, face an inevitable hearing loss.

LOUD MOVIES: Action movies have the volume turned up well beyond 90 decibels, exposing young ears to exceedingly loud sounds. The message sent out by these loud movies that "loud is cool" is a risky one. Parents should ask movie distributors and theater owners to lower the decibel level.

Remember that quiet times foster an environment where parents and children can spend time together reading, talking and listening to each other. The Center for Hearing and Communication recommends (2012):

BOOKS: Reading to young children helps develop their reading skills and serves to forge closer relationships between parents and children. Children of all ages should be encouraged to read.

EDUCATIONAL TOYS: Low-volume, educational computer games, puzzles, construction sets, and card games allow children to learn while playing in quiet, creative settings.

QUIET MOVIES: Family oriented films that focus on warm interpersonal relationships are a nice way to spend time with your children.

VISITS TO LIBRARIES & MUSEUMS: Quiet outings spent together with family and friends can be a fun way to enjoy the family.

For more information about noise and its effects on children's health, learning and behavior, visit http://www.chchearing.org/noise-center-home/facts-noise

References
-Center for hearing and communication. (2012). Noise and hearing. Retrieved from http://www.chchearing.org/noise-center-home/facts-noise/noise-hearing

-The Franklin Institute Online. (2004). The human brain. Retrieved from http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/stress.html