According to hearing system knowledge? Use hearing protection products

First, Understand the Noise

Noise is a type of sound that people find unpleasant or unwanted. It can come from various sources like traffic, machinery, or loud music. While all sounds are vibrations, noise is specifically the ones that cause irritation or discomfort. Understanding noise is the first step in protecting your hearing and overall health.

When we are exposed to loud noises for extended periods, it can lead to hearing damage. Two key factors determine how harmful a sound is: frequency and intensity. These two elements help us assess the potential risk of noise to our ears.

Frequency refers to how many times a sound wave vibrates in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies result in higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies produce deeper tones. This is why a whistle sounds sharp, while a bass drum has a deep, rumbling tone.

Intensity, on the other hand, measures how strong a sound is. It's usually expressed in decibels (dB), with higher numbers indicating louder sounds. For example, a whisper might be around 30 dB, while a jet engine can reach over 140 dB. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity sounds can be extremely damaging to your hearing.

The level of harm from noise depends not only on its frequency and intensity but also on how long you're exposed to it. The longer you're in a noisy environment, the greater the risk of permanent hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to take precautions, especially if you work in a loud setting.

Second, Hearing System Knowledge

To truly understand how noise affects our hearing, it’s essential to learn about the structure of the ear and how we perceive sound. The human ear is a complex and sensitive system that converts sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret.

The ear is divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each plays a vital role in the process of hearing. The outer ear collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal, where they eventually hit the eardrum. The eardrum then vibrates and sends these vibrations to the middle ear.

The middle ear contains three tiny bones called ossicles, which amplify the vibrations and pass them to the inner ear. The inner ear, particularly the cochlea, is responsible for converting these vibrations into nerve signals. Inside the cochlea, there are thousands of tiny hair cells that detect different sound frequencies and send information to the brain.

It’s important to note that once these hair cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate. This is why protecting your hearing is so crucial. Over time, exposure to loud noises, aging, or certain medications can lead to a gradual loss of these cells, resulting in reduced hearing ability.

People who work in noisy environments should always use proper ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Taking these simple steps can help prevent irreversible damage and preserve your hearing for years to come.

China Labor Insurance Network