Universität zu Köln

Eysel-Gosepath, Katrin, Daut, Tobias, Pinger, Andreas, Lehmacher, Walter and Erren, Thomas (2012). Sound levels and their effects on children in a German primary school. Eur. Arch. Oto-Rhino-Laryn., 269 (12). S. 2475 - 2484. NEW YORK: SPRINGER. ISSN 1434-4726

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Abstract

Considerable sound levels are produced in primary schools by voices of children and resonance effects. As a consequence, hearing loss and mental impairment may occur. In a Cologne primary school, sound levels were measured in three different classrooms, each with 24 children, 8-10 years old, and one teacher. Sound dosimeters were positioned in the room and near the teacher's ear. Additional measurements were done in one classroom fully equipped with sound-absorbing materials. A questionnaire containing 12 questions about noise at school was distributed to 100 children, 8-10 years old. Measurements were repeated after children had been taught about noise damage and while noise lights were used. Mean sound levels of 5-h per day measuring period were 78 dB (A) near the teacher's ear and 70 dB (A) in the room. The average of all measured maximal sound levels for 1 s was 105 dB (A) for teachers, and 100 dB (A) for rooms. In the soundproofed classroom, Leq was 66 dB (A). The questionnaire revealed certain judgment of the children concerning situations with high sound levels and their ability to develop ideas for noise reduction. However, no clear sound level reduction was identified after noise education and using noise lights during lessons. Children and their teachers are equally exposed to high sound levels at school. Early sensitization to noise and the possible installation of sound-absorbing materials can be important means to prevent noise-associated hearing loss and mental impairment.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Eysel-Gosepath, Katrin UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Daut, Tobias UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Pinger, Andreas UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Lehmacher, Walter UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Erren, Thomas UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-477798
DOI:	10.1007/s00405-011-1899-x
Journal or Publication Title:	Eur. Arch. Oto-Rhino-Laryn.
Volume:	269
Number:	12
Page Range:	S. 2475 - 2484
Date:	2012
Publisher:	SPRINGER
Place of Publication:	NEW YORK
ISSN:	1434-4726
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language HEARING-LOSS; NOISE; RISK Multiple languages Otorhinolaryngology Multiple languages
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/47779