“Undesired Sound”

“Undesired sound; high frequencies; power sound;” – words that produce more than just a buzz. This is Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, Speaking of Health. What is noise? Some define it simply as “undesired sound.” But noise to a scientist has objective parameters like “frequency”. For example, a whistling tea kettle produces a high frequency noise; rolling thunder has a lower frequency. But a thunder clap has great intensity. That’s the “power” of sound and is measured in decibels. Our exposure to the high frequency sound by itself then may not be hazardous to hearing nor might the sudden intense sound of a thunder clap, but a third parameter for noise can make a difference, and that’s time. A live rock-and-roll band, for example, may produce noise almost as intense as a thunder clap, but when it goes on for more than 15 minutes, it exceeds standards set by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration for acceptable noise exposure on the job.

Today scientists know that noise affects more than just hearing. Noises at or above the level produced by your dishwasher can cause blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to go up, and even cause some temporary changes in the levels of the hormones we secrete. And, of course, you don’t have to be a scientist to know that noise can have a great psychological impact on people, interfering with their thinking, sleeping and good behavior.

For all these reasons, hearing tests should be part of a complete physical exam. Looking for hearing loss can sometimes pinpoint on-going causes for it and help save hearing down the line. For a copy of this script, please visit our web site, speakingofhealth.com. Speaking of Health, I’m Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.