Match the words with the definitions.
| 1. noise pollution | a. the force of blood moving through the body |
| 2. hearing loss | b. something annoying or unpleasant |
| 3. nuisance | c. to be able to endure something |
| 4. trigger | d. the level of comfort and satisfaction people have |
| 5. irreversible | e. general health and happiness |
| 6. blood pressure | f. permanent reduction in the ability to hear |
| 7. well-being | g. a short-term solution |
| 8. tolerate | h. unwanted or excessive sound |
| 9. temporary fix | i. impossible to change back |
| 10. quality of life | j. to cause something to happen |
Answer the Questions
What was Americans' number one complaint about their neighborhoods?
What percentage of the world's population lived in cities in 2016?
At what noise level can permanent hearing damage begin?
What happened to students in the classrooms near the subway tracks?
What simple solution can help protect people from noise pollution?
Complete the sentences.
Noise pollution is especially bad in __________.
Studies show that noise above 65 decibels can increase __________, __________ and stress hormones.
The tiny hairs inside our ears do not __________ back after they are damaged.
The WHO considers noise an __________ threat.
Germany has banned __________ on Sundays.
Soundscaping
Modern cities are becoming increasingly noisy. Traffic, construction work, trains, and crowded public spaces create constant background noise that can affect people's health and well-being. Studies have shown that excessive noise can increase stress levels, disturb sleep, and even contribute to hearing loss. While traditional solutions focus on reducing unwanted sounds, a growing number of cities are exploring a different approach: soundscaping. Soundscaping involves carefully adding pleasant or natural sounds, such as birdsong, ocean waves, or flowing water, to public spaces in order to create a more relaxing environment. Instead of simply eliminating noise, soundscaping seeks to improve the way people experience the sounds around them. Could adding sounds actually make a place feel quieter? This innovative idea is changing the way we think about urban noise.
From Cities to Earphones
Noise pollution doesn't only come from traffic and busy streets. Sometimes, we create our own noise exposure through the devices we use every day.
Millions of people spend hours listening to music, podcasts, and videos through earbuds or earphones. Although these devices are convenient, listening at high volumes for long periods can damage the tiny hair cells inside the ear, causing permanent hearing loss. Experts recommend following the 60/60 rule: listening at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Using noise-cancelling headphones can also help because people do not need to turn the volume up to block outside noise.
Discussion Questions
- How many hours a day do you use earphones or earbuds?
- Do you usually listen to music at a low, medium, or high volume?
- Have you ever experienced ringing in your ears after a concert or after using headphones?
- Do you think young people are aware of the risks of hearing loss?
- Would you be willing to reduce the volume on your devices to protect your hearing?
Vocabulary
| Device | Meaning |
|---|---|
| earbuds | small earphones that fit inside the ear |
| earphones | devices used to listen to audio privately |
| headphones | larger devices worn over the ears |
| noise-cancelling headphones | headphones that reduce outside sounds |
| volume | how loud the sound is |
| hearing loss | reduced ability to hear |
| eardrum | the membrane inside the ear that vibrates with sound |
| protect your hearing | take care of your ears |
| turn down the volume | reduce the sound level |
| crank up the volume | increase the sound level a lot |
Are earphones becoming the new form of noise pollution?