Noise In The News: Weekly Round-Up

by Quiet Communities Staff

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

Even background noise can accelerate hearing loss

A recent study published by Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute using the Noise Exposure Structured Interview (NESI) found that everyday “safe” background noise can accumulate to accelerate hearing decline as you age. Looking at a person’s total lifetime noise exposure, researchers also discovered that the sound environments you spend the most of your time in shape how you process sound over time. The empowering takeaway is that protecting your hearing health is not just about avoiding extremely loud events. Simple everyday habits like taking quiet breaks and turning down the volume help preserve your hearing and well-being for years to come.

New propeller design could silence deafening ship noise for endangered species

Noise from shipping and boat activity has been a threat to underwater life since the invention of the marine propeller, but a new model could provide a solution to the problem. Whales rely on sound, specifically low-frequency sound in the range of about 20-300 Hertz, to communicate. And this communication isn’t just for socializing, it drives their ability to hunt, mate, and care for their young. An issue arises when noise from commercial shipping, also in this low-frequency range, overlaps with and masks whale calls. Whales have adapted to this change over the years, virtually screaming to be heard over ship noise, but a new tipless propeller design, up to 20 dB in sound reduction compared to traditional models,  presents a promising and more effective solution to this problem. Once implemented more broadly, these propellers could be the answer to the calls for help whales have been making for decades.