随身英语
The dangers of loud noise 高分贝噪音的危险
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你常去听演唱会吗？你喜欢戴耳机听歌吗？优美的旋律能放松心情，但如果音量太高，就可能会损坏听力。本期 “随身英语” 节目讨论高分贝噪音对身体造成的危害。
词汇: sound 声音
Many of us love live music –listeningto the singerbelting outclassics we love to sing along to. But while it can be lots of funnodding our headsto thetunesbooming out, it can also harm our hearing. Studies suggest that one in ten adults have had their hearing damaged by loudnoisesor music. So why is loud music damaging, and what can we do to prevent it from harming our ears?
Inside our ears, there are lots of tiny hair-like cells located in the cochlea. These cells are referred to ashair cellsbecause very small bundles of stereocilia, which look like hairs under a microscope, sit on top of each cell. These groupings of stereocilia can be damaged when exposed to prolonged loud noises. once damaged, these cells cannot respond to sound, and therefore we are left withnoise-inducedhearing loss– which can be permanent. It can also leave us with a constantringingsound in our ears, which is known astinnitus. So, what sounds are too loud?
Sound is measured indecibels. The maximum safe level of sound humans are thought to be able to withstand without potential damage is 80db. Thebangsorboomsof a firework display can reach 120db, thewhirring mechanicalsound of a food processor can be around 85db, and live music can be around 110db. If these sounds continue for a long period of time, it puts our unprotected ears at risk.
So what can we do to protect our ears? Firstly, when listening to music, especially while using yourheadphonesorearphones, make sure you keep it at a sensiblevolume. Also, don’t get too close to speakers that areblaring outmusic. And, if you go to live concerts, why not take someearbudswith you? Finally, if you get a ringing sensation in your ears, it might be wise to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Your hearing is important, but there are some steps you can take to be as safe as possible.
词汇表
listen 倾听，听
belt out 高歌
nod one’s head 点头
tune 曲子，旋律
boom out 发出低响，大声播放
noise 噪音
hair cell 毛细胞
noise-induced 因噪声引起的
hearing loss 听力损失
ringing 嗡嗡声
tinnitus 耳鸣
decibel 分贝
bang 巨响
boom 低沉的响声
whirr （机器）嗡嗡作响
mechanical 机械的
headphones （头戴式）耳机
earphones 耳机
volume 音量
blare out 高声播放
earbuds 耳塞
测验与练习
1.阅读课文并回答问题。
1. True or false?Two in every ten adults have their hearing damaged by loud noises or music.
2. Where are the stereocilia located?
3. What is the safe level of noise humans can tolerate?
4. How loud is a firework display?
5. What should you do if you have a ringing sensation in your ears?
2.选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。
1. Turn that music down! I’m sick of hearing the same song _______.
booming out cochlea earbuds listening
2. How many _______ is the sound of a drill?
stereocilia mechanical whirring decibels
3. I’m going to put my _______ in to protect my ears at the concert.
headphones whirring earbuds booming out
4. Please _______ to this message and tell me if you can hear what he’s saying.
whirring listen mechanical ringing
5. I have to go to the doctors about the _______ sound in my ears.
ringing decibels headphones cochlea
答案
1.阅读课文并回答问题。
1. True or false?Two in every ten adults have their hearing damaged by loud noises ormusic.
False. One in ten adults have their hearing damaged by loud noises or music.
2. Where are the stereocilia located?
They are located in the cochlea.
3. What is the safe level of noise humans can tolerate?
The safe level of noise for humans is under 80db.
4. How loud is a firework display?
A firework display can reach 120db.
5. What should you do if you have a ringing sensation in your ears?
You should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
2.选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。
1. Turn that music down! I’m sick of hearing the same songbooming out.
2. How manydecibelsis the sound of a drill?
3. I’m going to put myearbudsin to protect my ears at the concert.
4. Pleaselistento this message and tell me if you can hear what he’s saying.
5. I have to go to the doctors about theringingsound in my ears.
