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St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN
| St. Mary's Parish Nurse Newsletter... May, 2002 |
Dear Viewers, Peace to all. "Make a joyfull noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1). Noises and sounds surround us at all times, every day, every where at work and at school. This month of May we'll be outside more and exposed to more sounds so, let's focus on what effect noise has on our ears and hearing. |
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Sound is created when " a mechanical source disturbs the air
and sets a series of pressure waves in motion" (Stangis,1996).
Noise is any unwanted sound (Schiavone,1996). The human ear hears frequencies of
250 Hertz (Hz) to 8000Hz with the greatest sensitivity between 1000Hz to
4000Hz. Sound waves vary in intensity (loudness) and these are
measured in decibels(dB). The upper limits of normal dB is 25 dB. Eight
hours of exposure above 85-90 dB can cause hearing loss, High frequency
hearing losses are due to noise exposure of frequencies between 4000dB
to 6000dB. This loss does not affect one's hearing speech sounds
immediately so this can go unnoticed for years. High frequency hearing
loss can gradually cause lower frequency loss until the speech is
affected. What can cause hearing loss? With repeated exposure to noise
such as a saw, drill, gunfire, lawn mowers, loud music etc, this can
damage the ear's nerve cells which can result in permanent hearing loss.
To minimize this exposure to unwanted noise is to wear ear plugs(foam) or ear muffs when working or playing around intense noise. Also, to have your hearing evaluated at regular intervals by your health care provider. "For I am the Lord who heals you"(Exodus 15-26). | |
| Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN 789 N. Central Richland Center, WI 53581 608-647-3280 e-mail: rew@mwt.net |
Copyright © 2001-2007. Revised April 30, 2005. |
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