Reading for the weekend: how not to spoil the hearing and escape from the noise of the city - 17 articles and practical guides

In the digest of the “Hi-Fi World” we will talk about why the noise level in cities is growing and what we can do to preserve hearing and reduce noise pollution.


Photo PxHere / PD

---

As cities get louder

---

• Why restaurants and cafes have become so noisy, and what to do about it . According to studies, the level of background noise in some catering establishments exceeds safe by almost a third. In this material we told why this is happening, what the Lombard effect is and what practices will help restaurateurs organize a quiet but comfortable space.

• Ecosystem of sound: what it is and how to work with it . Learn how sound background affects your health and productivity. We’ll tell you what a sound landscape is, break down ecoacoustic myths and discuss the effect of noise on concentration when reading and writing. In addition, we will share simple recommendations on how to “tweak” the sound environment for yourself and minimize the negative effects of urban sound pollution.

• What is useful and dangerous about the noise around us . In this article we will examine in more detail the effect of background noise on the psyche and health. We will discuss sound therapy, medical use of ultrasound and portable noise reduction gadgets.

• Why is popular music so loud? An important component of urban noise pollution is background music. This article will tell you how she got so loud and what role commercial radio stations played in this.

• Sound producer about mastering, compression and volume of music . Many modern recordings suffer from an unnaturally narrow dynamic range. But this is no reason to demonize mastering engineers. Experienced sound engineer Larry Crane explains why compression is used and why mastering is not enough.

---

We protect hearing and get rid of noise.

---

• How hearing changes with age and how to protect it . Over the years, the range of frequencies that a person can hear is reduced. This is a natural and inevitable process, but it can be slowed down. In the material we will discuss why the auditory receptors die, why older natives hear better than retirees from the city , and what changes in lifestyle help keep hearing.

• What gadgets will help reduce ambient noise . In order to protect against unwanted sounds, it is not necessary to use earplugs. The article deals with headphones, helmets and masks with an active noise cancellation system - from those available on the market to prototypes that are not translated into reality.

Photo by Georgie Pauwels / CC BY
')

• How to make sound insulation at home . The soundproofing of many apartment buildings leaves much to be desired. This guide will help you take matters into your own hands. You will learn what materials and tools are needed for soundproofing walls and ceilings, how much it costs and how to check.

• What are the pros and cons of the most quiet places on the planet . Silence, like noise, may be too little or too much. In this article we will describe how silence can be harmful or useful, how “silent pauses” during the day relax the brain and destroy the myths about anechoic chambers.

---

How to choose headphones for the city and how to care for them

---

• How to choose headphones for different situations . In the subway, in the gym and at home, headphones perform different tasks. In public transport, noise isolation is important, and when playing sports - a tight fit. Why you should not buy home professional studio headphones, how to extend the life of the cable and what to look for when trying on overhead models - read the article.

• Choose full-size headphones for the street . When choosing headphones for the street, there are many factors to consider, including comfort, sound insulation and sound quality. After reviewing our review of popular closed-type headphones, you will find out which model is best suited for connoisseurs of natural sound, in which headphones it is better not to go down to the subway, and which ones will be hot in summer.

• What are ear pads . This article will tell you what shape the ear cushions for in-channel and overhead headphones come in, how to evaluate them when buying, and how their fabrication affects sound and comfort. The text also speaks about individual custom devices and why the softest ear cushions are not always comfortable to use.

Photo droidcon Global / CC BY-SA

• Headphones with active noise reduction: the pros and cons . An increasing number of manufacturers produce headphones with active noise cancellation. For many people who are forced to spend time in noisy spaces, such models are indispensable. But they also have disadvantages - from the need for frequent recharging to the suffering sound quality. From the material you will learn what you should pay attention to when buying headphones with noise cancellation and how to make an economical choice.

• How to clean headphones . Regardless of the design, look and model of your headphones, they need regular care. Dirty headphones sound worse and often cause ear infections. In the article you will find general instructions on cleaning overhead and in-ear headphones, as well as tips on caring for popular Apple EarPods.

---

What are dangerous headphones

---

• How to use headphones without hearing damage . The more companies move to open offices, the more people are forced to use headphones in the workplace. For many, this is the only way to concentrate and not be distracted by other people's conversations. However, the constant use of headphones can lead to problems - doctors do not recommend wearing them for more than an hour a day. In the material we will describe how to listen to music at work without harm to health and how to make an open office quieter with the help of “pink noise”.

• Children's headphones: watch the volume . Children's headphones should, in theory, protect sensitive children's hearing. But in practice it is not. The maximum volume of some "childish" models significantly exceeds the allowable level. In this article we talk about the popular with children headphones and their safety.

• Headphones with bass: the benefits and harm of low frequencies . Many music lovers prefer "bass" headphones. Models with Extra Bass, Bass Boost or Mega Bass labels are very popular. But popularity is not a sign of quality. Frequent use of such equipment is detrimental to hearing. From the article, you will learn when and how to safely use bass boost.

---

More about sound, music and audio gadgets in our Telegram channel:

Podcast: Introduction to Portable Audio
Music for productive work
"Goosebumps from the music" - what is it

---