We often view `noise' as unwanted sounds that may adversely affect health. Whereas `sounds' are present in all of our lives and the annoyance and nuisance depend on the listener. The loud sounds emanating from car stereos may be pleasurable to the driver but a nuisance to bystanders. Fireworks over the beach may be more enjoyable than your neighbor's teenager setting them off at midnight!

Maximum permissible noise levels in residential areas of Fort Lauderdale are 55-60 dBA. This is approximately the level of conversational speech. This compares to permissible noise levels in industry that recognizes a person exposed to 90 dBA for 8 hours per day is high risk for developing hearing loss.

The car stereos in the Sun-Sentinel article were producing an estimated 2,000 watts of sound. This suggests that they could produce sound levels in excess of 130-140 dBA in the vehicle and probably 115-120 dBA from 25 feet, the point from which the new state law permits police to write a ticket. These levels are louder than jackhammers and chainsaws! Federal law does not permit employees in industry to be exposed to these noise levels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes that a person exposed to these noise levels would be at risk for developing a significant hearing loss after only 3-5 minutes of exposure.

It is no wonder that we are finding an increased incidence of hearing loss in our society. If the stereo users are students, they are twice as likely to have to repeat a grade in school due to the acquired hearing loss; as adults, they may be ineligible for military service; may not pass the Department of Transportation hearing requirements for driving a truck or bus; and are more likely to develop stress related medical conditions including heart and respiratory disease.

It's time to turn it down. There are enough hazards in our lives. Let's control the noise that can lead to hearing loss, annoyance, and stress.

By Barry A. Freeman