8. Energy and Sound- Noise pollution

Noise pollution

Any sound that is loud, unpleasant, or harmful to our ears

Decibel

Unit used to measure the intensity of sound

Hearing damage

Permanent injury to the ear caused by exposure to loud noises

Man-made noise

Sounds created by human activities like traffic or construction

Natural noise

Sounds from nature such as wind, thunder, or animal calls

Ear protection

Devices like earmuffs or earplugs used to shield ears from loud noises

Habitat disruption

Disturbance of animal environments due to noise pollution

Sound waves

Vibrations that travel through the air or other mediums, carrying sound

Acoustic ecology

Study of the relationship between living beings and their sound environment

Noise ordinance

Local laws that regulate excessive noise in communities

Soundproofing

Methods used to reduce sound transmission between spaces

Tinnitus

Ringing or buzzing in the ears, often caused by exposure to loud noises

Ambient noise

Background sounds present in an environment

Noise barrier

Structure designed to block or absorb sound waves

Auditory system

The sensory system for the sense of hearing

Noise-induced hearing loss

Hearing impairment resulting from exposure to loud sounds over time

Acoustic trauma

Injury to the inner ear caused by a sudden loud noise

Noise mapping

Creating visual representations of sound levels in an area

Soundscape

The acoustic environment as perceived by humans and other species

Noise abatement

Efforts to reduce or mitigate noise pollution in an area