What’s the Ear For? How to Protect It 163747.5 Too Much of a Good ThingIn today’s world, noise represents one of the more seri-
ous pollutants, Fig. 47-1. Some are the by-product of
our society such as lawn mowers, jackhammers, traffic,
and public transportation.We deliberately subject ourselves to a Pandora’s box
of sounds that threaten not only our hearing but our
general health. Personal sources like MP3 players, car
stereos, or home theaters are sources we can control, yet
many remain oblivious to their impact, Fig. 47-2. In the
public domain clubs, churches, auditoriums, amphithe-
aters, and stadiums are part of the myriad of potential
threats to hearing health. From a nuisance to a serious
health risk, these sources impact attendees, employees,
and neighbors alike. As pointed out previously, levels of
105 dBA for 1 hour or less may result in serious and
permanent hearing damage. Recent studies have shown
other factors such as smoking, drugs of all types, and
that overall health appear to accelerate the process.
High sound levels are just part of the problem.
Sound does not stop at the property line. Neighbors and
neighborhoods are affected. Numerous studies haveshown persistent levels of noise affect sleeping patterns,
even increase the potential for heart disease. Studies by
Johns Hopkins have shown hospital noise impacts
patients in the neonatal wards and other patients’
recovery time.
Communities all over the world have enacted
various forms of noise ordinances. Some address noise
based on the annoyance factor. Others specify noise
limits with sound pressure level (SPL), time of day, and
day of the week regulations. The problem, noise
(sound), is a transient event. Enforcement and compli-
ance are often very difficult, especially when treated as
an annoyance.47.5.1 A Compliance and Enforcement ToolThere are various tools to monitor noise. One very use-
ful tool is “the SLARM™ by ACO Pacific. The follow-
ing will use the SLARM™ to explain the importance of
noise-monitoring test gear. The SLARM™ tool was
developed to meet the needs of the noise abatement
market. The SLARM™ performs both compliance and
enforcement roles, offering accurate measurement,
alarm functions, and very important history.
For the business owner dealing with neighborhood
complaints, the SLARM™ provides a positive indica-
tion of SPL limits—permitting employees to control the
levels or even turn off the sound. The History function
offers a positive indication of compliance.
On the enforcement side, no longer does enforce-
ment have to deal with finger-pointing complaints. They
now may be addressed hours or days after the event and
resolved. There is also the uniform effect. Police pull up
armed with a sound level meter (SLM) and the volume
goes down. Businesses now can demonstrate compli-
ance. Yes—it is an oversimplification— but the concept
works. Agreements are worked out. Peace and quiet
return to the neighborhood.47.5.1.1 The SLARMSolution™The SLARM™ (Sound Level Alarm and Monitor) is a
package of three basic subsystems in a single standalone
device:- A sound level meter designed to meet or exceed
Type 1 specifications. - Programmable threshold detectors providing either
SPL or Leq alarm indications. - Monitor—a data recorder storing SPL data, and
Led values for about 3 weeks on a rolling basis, as
well as logging unique Alarm events, scheduled
Figure 47-1. Derivation of noise. Courtesy ACO Pacific.Figure 47-2. Loud sounds from passing cars are often
aggravating to passers by. Courtesy ACO Pacific.