Hearing-Loss Study Warns That Popped Balloons Can Be Louder Than Gunfire
- 7 years ago
Scientists are warning the public about a potential contributor to hearing loss--popped balloons.
Scientists are warning the public about a potential contributor to hearing loss--popped balloons.
A new study by two researchers at the University of Alberta has found that when balloons are blown up until they burst, the resulting sound can reach nearly 168 decibels which the paper states is “more intense than a 12-gauge shot gun and nearly as intense as a 357 magnum.”
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Sounds that are louder than 85 [decibels] can cause permanent hearing loss.”
For the experiment, the pair tested noise levels from inflated balloons that were popped by squeezing, pricking with a pin, and overinflating.
The latter method turned out to be the loudest at just under 168 decibels, with the others peaking at around 10 decibels lower.
In response to their findings, Bill Hodgetts, one of the paper’s authors, has said, “We are not saying don't play with balloons and don't have fun, just try to guard against popping them. Hearing loss is insidious--every loud noise that occurs has a potential lifelong impact.”
The researchers also suggest educating kids and adults about the importance of guarding against hearing loss just as they have been cautioned about the dangers of sun exposure.
Scientists are warning the public about a potential contributor to hearing loss--popped balloons.
A new study by two researchers at the University of Alberta has found that when balloons are blown up until they burst, the resulting sound can reach nearly 168 decibels which the paper states is “more intense than a 12-gauge shot gun and nearly as intense as a 357 magnum.”
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Sounds that are louder than 85 [decibels] can cause permanent hearing loss.”
For the experiment, the pair tested noise levels from inflated balloons that were popped by squeezing, pricking with a pin, and overinflating.
The latter method turned out to be the loudest at just under 168 decibels, with the others peaking at around 10 decibels lower.
In response to their findings, Bill Hodgetts, one of the paper’s authors, has said, “We are not saying don't play with balloons and don't have fun, just try to guard against popping them. Hearing loss is insidious--every loud noise that occurs has a potential lifelong impact.”
The researchers also suggest educating kids and adults about the importance of guarding against hearing loss just as they have been cautioned about the dangers of sun exposure.