Noise pollution has long been a problem that is so common that most people hardly notice it. Scientists estimate that about 25% of American citizens have hearing problems. It is everywhere around us: cars honking, dogs barking, machinery and many others. We hardly notice it, but it tends to slowly wear out our ears and causes malfunctioning to complete loss of hearing.
First of all, noise is the opposite of music. Music is a set of sounds put together to create sound that is pleasing to the ears. Noise is rather uncomfortable to listen to and most people try to avoid it. We “intake” this sound all of our lives, hardly noticing it. However, our ears are only “human”. Over time they get “worn out” and don’t work as properly. This can be a large problem as deafness is a serious handicap in an everyday life. The effects of noise pollution can usually be observed on laborers that spent their lives doing hard work in noisy environments. This causes a complication as it is therefore those that won’t be able to afford proper treatment that lose their hearing.
Another large cause of noise pollution actually comes from music. That is when it is played too loud. This used to be a common stereotype concerning fans of rock music but has become a common phenomenon in the modern society. Even as I write this paper, music is blasting in my ears. The question is: Should I turn it on speaker not to concentrate the sound straight into my ears, and instead bother others with my bad taste in music? Like this I am only hurting my ears and no one else’s.
There are ways to prevent noise pollution. For example, many car companies are trying to make the sounds of their engines softer as they must have noticed that people are bothered by useless noise. Or even more obviously, vacuum cleaners. All the companies are competing to have the quietest vacuum cleaner because it is what customers look for. Nobody likes its loud and disruptive noise.
And then when it is too late, there are ways to help people with hearing problems. Modern instruments can easily enhance a person’s hearing. People have also learned to use trained dogs to lead them on their way. But any of the solutions that are currently available can fully restore a “normal” life.
In conclusion, noise pollution is something that can and should be prevented. You are exposed to it every day, which you cannot help, but you can do a bit yourself. Next time you listen your iPod, don’t crank the volume all the way up. And especially DO NOT try to block out outside noise by putting your music very loud. Also, when you know that you are going to be exposed to extreme noise, you can use earplugs to block out the worst noise. Or try to avoid it in general. No need to spend all your time at a disco where the music makes your bones vibrate. Because no one wants to be deaf, right?
Sources:
"How Bad Are IPods for Your Hearing? - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Web. 31 Mar. 2011. .
