The scientific and medical experts have voluminous facts and evidence that noise causes to hearing and they are well known but yet the noise nuisance persists and continues to cause all manner of discomforts apart from being a health hazard.

The US National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCID) says: “NIHL (Noised Induced Hearing) can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.”

It adds; “Sound is measured in units called decibels. On the decibel scale, an increase of 10 means that a sound is 10 times more intense, or powerful. To your ears, it sounds twice as loud. The humming of a refrigerator is 45 decibels, normal conversation is approximately 60 decibels, and the noise from heavy city traffic can reach 85 decibels. Sources of noise that can cause NIHL include motorcycles, firecrackers, and small firearms, all emitting sounds from 120 to 150 decibels. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before NIHL can occur. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.”

Although being aware of decibel levels is an important factor in protecting one’s hearing, distance from the source of the sound and duration of exposure to the sound are equally important. A good rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are “too loud” and “too close” or that last “too long.”

The following are some snippets from publications on the issue:

“Like any other sound, music can cause hearing loss if it’s loud enough and exposure is long enough. A person can damage his hearing at a live concert or by listening to recorded music. Here’s a lot more information on this important topic.”

“The latest hearing loss culprit is the iPod and similar devices. Here’s the recent coverage of iPods as a cause of hearing loss.”

“June 2000 – Those of you who have been “encouraging” your kids to turn their music down to avoid harming their hearing now have corroboration from the scientific community. Here is their account of how loud music causes hearing loss.”

“January 2002 – The sound industry is starting to take a look at their contribution to hearing loss and what liability they might have in cases of hearing loss. Here’s a report on what’s happening in that arena.

“May 2003 – The music volume in clubs and concerts is a serious threat to young peoples’ hearing. Here’s an article from England with shocking statistics on the hearing loss threat to young people.”

Here in Guyana eliminating the noise nuisance has become an uphill challenge because it has been allowed to continue unchallenged for an extremely long period of time. Unfortunately it has become assimilated into our national culture which makes it even more difficult to counter.

However, in recent times significant breakthroughs have been made by the Ministry of Home Affairs in curbing the noise nuisance. The passage of legislation outlawing music on public transportation vehicles has helped tremendously in this regard but there are still some public transportation vehicles on which the law is being flouted.

In addition, there still too many bars and other public places where the noise nuisance continues unabated, particularly at these entertainment shows where residents sleep is affected, students cannot study and people with medical conditions such as hypertension and heart problems are assaulted.

And of course there are many private vehicles, mobile music carts and music shops which continue with their unhindered blaring music much to the annoyance and discomfort of the public.

There must be no complacency or compromise in the campaign against noise nuisance because it will simply not go away. In fact, it needs to be pursued more aggressively.

After all those who desire serenity and quietness have a right to enjoy it and those who desire noise do not have a right to trample on that right of the former.