The city of noise

Modern city noise poses a serious threat to city dwellers' hearing ability. A clear illustration of the dangers was created in April, 2001, when hearing organisations recorded sound levels across the USA using sound meters as part of the International Noise Awareness Day. The outcome was reported in the American magazine, The Hearing Journal. Armed with measuring equipment, people took to the streets of New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, New Haven and Fort Lauderdale. The highest readings were recorded in San Francisco. The record was a staggering 120 dB, brought about by a wailing siren. However, measurements of more than 100 dB were recorded in traffic, in a night club, at a building site, in a video arcade, at a cinema, at a health club and even in a classroom. Leaf blowers proved to be sources of substantial noise, creating noise levels of between 90 and 105 dB. If it were up to your ears, Fort Lauderdale in Florida would be the place to live. Here, the sound meters recorded lower measurements than anywhere else. The Hearing Journal emphasises, however, that the test results must be treated with caution. Measurement methods and sound meters may differ. And the magazine doubts that San Francisco is a noisier place than New York. The main conclusion, however, cannot be ignored: The hearing ability of the citizens of American cities is under threat.