Your Ears and Auditory Experiences

We think of our ears in relation to noise, sound or music. We know that colds, dull hearing by producing unequal pressures in the ear and we have experienced that swallowing can help equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum when we are in an aircraft. We know too that in the midst of loud noise sticking fingers in the ears facilitates hearing of shouted speech. Much of our enjoyment of the world around us comes through sound, whether it is a bird song or music. But some people never seem to learn the fine art of listening.

To one person, rock-and -roll music is just that. To another individual, it is noise. If a sound is too loud in frequency, we may call it noise especially if it disrupts our train of thought and reduces our efficiency at work.

Noise can be defined as a sound, which is undesirable. Yet in some situations a background noise may be helpful to us in getting a job done. For example the student who is used to some background sound may find a silent library not comfortable because he may find it "loud quiet". Sometimes, we welcome noise when we are lonely though it is generally annoying.

We flinch at the sound of a truck horn or at times are disturbed by a tap dripping slightly. Noise takes on an unpleasant meaning when it is unwanted. Common sound sources that may be termed unpleasant are intermittent sounds such as clicks and whirs, drips and hums, bangs and roars. Studies show that unfamiliar noise of the same sound level is more distracting than familiar ones. However, how well a person adapts to these situations, depend on his personal characteristics. Studies indicate that muscular tension is greater when work is performed under noisy conditions than done under quiet conditions.

However, references to the use of music as an aid to 'healing' can be found in ancient writings. Chants from sailors and workers have been used for centuries to help lessen dreary work and express feelings. In recent times there have been claims that music increases productivity in workers by enhancing their morale under certain working conditions.

Ratings of radio and television programs show that most people prefer music as a background for relaxation. The most basic fact of sound in relation to music is its octave or melodic quality. Music, whether we are listening to or playing is always refreshing.