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in2muzikk
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jul 2005
Location: Berlin, Germany
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quote: | Originally posted by Nexxus
I hope I didn't overlook something here but that was alot of reading =P but is there such a thing or someone working on something that's like a reverse hearing aid? I think that would be fricken awesome! or is a reverse hearing aid something more of science fiction? |
Yes, they do exist:
http://www.hearingresearch.org/Dr.Ross/Tinnitus.htm
Hyperacousis
Often, tinnitus does not appear alone, but in combination with hyperacousis, which is defined as an extreme sensitivity to environmental sounds. Some authorities believe that it may be the phobic reaction to the tinnitus that is primarily responsible for the acute sensitivity to sound, which then develops into hyperacousis. People with this problem may be reluctant to leave their homes because of their fear of being suddenly exposed to intolerably (for them) loud sounds. They may use earplugs or earmuffs to "protect" their hearing. Indeed, ten years ago I described in this journal a "reverse" hearing aid designed to reduce environmental sounds for people with hyperacousis. According to the rationale underlying TRT, these "remedial" steps were exactly the wrong procedure to use with such people. Instead of protecting them, all it does is increase their fear and anxiety about sound exposures.
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But, I believe such "reverse hearing aids" are used in normal volume situations like restaurants, at home, etc. Apparently they don't work so well then either.
A problem with trying to use something like this at a nightclub would be getting a good seal with the ear. Properly fitted foam earplugs form a sealed barrier that attenuates or reduces the volume. A foam earplug with an attenuation rating of 32-33db is the strongest ear protection you can get without wearing external earmuffs. Depending on how loud the sound is, this level of protection may or may not be enough. If it's not, unfortunately there's no way that any kind of hearing aid (which is not as tightly sealed) could do any better.
___________________
My favorite song is the one that hasn't yet been written._____|_____fb_____|_____ myspace
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May-06-2009 06:45
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in2muzikk
Supreme tranceaddict
Registered: Jul 2005
Location: Berlin, Germany
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New iPhone SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Meter Apps!
I recently watched a YouTube video about Paul van Dyk's new iPhone DJ App (not available in the US yet as of this time), one feature of which was a sound meter. It actually turns out that the iPhone can be used as a fairly reliable sound meter!
I found several links to other iPhone sound meters that are currently available, so will list them below. Please keep in mind the following if you decide to get one:
- Apparently due to iPhone hardware limitations, clipping occurs when the sound level reaches 105db(C) or roughly 85db(A). As many nightclubs exceed this level, the meter may max out at 105db(C)/85db(A) when used at clubs.
- Accuracy of the meter depends on the iPhone's internal microphone. There's a calibration setting included with all of these SPL meters to adjust, but it's recommended to calibrate against a professionally calibrated meter before using.
- These meters are not up to ANSI professional standards (we're talking the iPhone here!), but I have read a number of reviews from people with $2,000+ professional meters that the iPhone reading is with 1.5-2db of the professional meter once it has been calibrated!
The great thing is that, subject to these limitations, you have an always-ready sound meter whenever you need it! Keeping in mind that they may not be super-precise, if using one of these meters at a club and the sound peaks at the 105db(C) or 85db(A) cutoff, this means that the sound level has exceeded 105db(C)/85db(A). Going back to the chart on the first page of this thread and the discussion about various earplugs, you can then find out which kind of earplugs offer the best protection.
Another thing to keep in mind is that since these meters cap off at 105db(C)/85db(A), you'll only know that the sound is louder than that. At such high volumes, the max permissible time before hearing damage occurs goes down by half for every 3db. If someone took a measurement with a professional sound meter and found the sound was 115db, for example, then the max exposure time should be divided in half approx. 3 more times to account for the difference.
Outside of a club, the meter could be used in the car, race car track, rock concert, or whatever to measure the sound.
ok, here's the list of iPhone SPL Meter apps (prices from 99 cents to $19.99, subject to change) that I have found so far:
SPL Meter
SPL Pro
SoundMeter
If you know of any more that work better, or have had experience using any of these, let me know and I will add them to the list!
Update: New developments with smartphone sound pressure level meter apps, including a study conducted by the CDC. See page 8 of this thread for details.
___________________
My favorite song is the one that hasn't yet been written._____|_____fb_____|_____ myspace
Last edited by in2muzikk on Jul-28-2014 at 08:37
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May-11-2009 03:13
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rizo
rizoholic
Registered: Apr 2003
Location: sf south bay
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Jun-01-2009 01:05
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