3050 – 02 – Knowing Sound vs. Noise

1m

The physical sensation that triggers our sense of hearing is called sound. It exists as an acoustic wave that’s caused by vibration – like a person’s vocal chords. These vibrations ripple through the air, which results in a variation of air pressure. This change is what the ear detects, and what we call sound.
When it comes to metal processing, noise is considered non-essential sound. Sound is divided into long-term noise, like the drone of a fan, or short-term noise, like a party popper.
All sounds or noise – long or short term – can result in hearing loss. Quick, loud sounds, like crashes or explosions, can cause instant hearing loss. But the majority of hearing loss in the workplace is attributed to long-term noise caused by things like manufacturing equipment. Because hearing loss can happen slowly, some workers don’t realize what’s happening to them.