Loudness and The Decibel

Scale
Helmiyanto Ismoyo
Student will be able to:
1. State the unit of sound intensity or loudness
2. Describe some of risks of loud sounds and how to reduce the risk
We like listening to some sound

….but not to others

Sound Level
Noise can be very loud, or can go on for a long time, or both.
The intensity of a sound is measured with a sound level meter on a
scale called the decibel (dB) scale.
A sound with a high intensity will sound louder.
• One of the loudest instrument in the world is nadaswaram from India.
• In the football world cup in South Africa, the vuvuzela is another loud
instrument. The sound intensity is 120 dB. The loudness of the
loudest possible continuous is 194 dB.
• Explosions, earthquakes, or meteor impacts can produce much louder
sound.
• The decibel scale is not like a ruler. A 50 dB sound is 100 times as
intense as a 30 dB. Every increase 10 dB increase the intensity 10
times.
Loudness and hearing
Loud sound can damage your hearing.
The risk depends not only on the number of decibels but also on the
length of time you are exposed to the sound.
How to reduce the risk?
1. Shielding : putting something between the source of the sound and
your ears. Such as ear defenders.
2. Increasing the distance : moving away from the source of the sound
3. Reducing the time that you spend near the source of the sound.
Question
1. What is noise?
2. How much louder is a 40 dB sound compare with a 30 dB sound?
3. Jamal like to listen to music with earphones. What two things could
he do to reduce the risk of damage to his hearing?
4. Suggest two jobs for which people should wear ear defenders.
5. One reason why truck driver should not drive for long periods is
because they may get tired and fall asleep. Suggest another reason!