WASHINGTON — Using an electric lawn mower, hair dryer or chain saw, playing in a band, going to rock concerts or setting off firecrackers can all cause permanent hearing loss. Each of these activities results in a noise level above 85 decibels, the level found to be potentially hazardous.
While most people are not exposed to these noises for periods of time long enough to cause damage, many are exposed to personal stereo headsets for extended periods of time-often at dangerous volume levels.
At a recent hearing of the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families, we examined the issue of noise-induced hearing loss, which is fast becoming a significant health and safety risk for our children. One third, or 10 million, of all hearing-impaired Americans have hearing loss attributed to environmental noise.
A study of 35 personal stereos found that maximum output levels ranged from 115 to 126 decibels. Comfortable volume levels ranged from 83 to 107 decibels for those participating in the study. In addition, a study of 18 personal stereos found that at one-half volume, the stereos played rock music at 104 decibels and played easy listening music at 102 decibels. I might point out that decibel increases are logarithmic-each five-point increase is five times more dangerous.
Given these startling statistics, I am considering several legislative options to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Education, such as a national program for school children to warn them of the dangers of misusing stereo headsets, ``boom boxes,`` car stereos and other loud products, is an obvious first step. In addition, farming noises such as those from open-cab tractors, grain dryers, chain saws, jackhammers and snowmobiles can cause hearing loss. A Wisconsin study found that over half of children actively involved in farm work experience noise-induced hearing loss at twice the rate of their peers who were not involved in farm work.
To address this problem, I am considering legislation to establish a program through the Agriculture Extension Service to educate farmers and their children about the danger of noise from farm equipment and firearms and the advantages of using ear plugs while working.
Another logical step would be rejuvenating the Environmental Protection Agency`s Noise Control Act and office of noise abatement control. This office was eliminated under President Reagan even after it received funding from Congress. Thus, there is no federal agency responsible for monitoring environmental noise and compiling data on the effects of this noise.
Requiring the manufacturers to include ear plugs with products that produce loud noise; mandating warning labels on headphones; and requiring manufacturers to offer an indicator light that illuminates when the sound reaches 85 decibels are also options we are considering.
Until recently, this issue had gone relatively unnoticed. However, with increased public attention and cooperation by the electronics industry, we may be able to prevent improper headphone use and in turn avoid future hearing loss in our young people.