Hear Here! Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss with WorkSafeBC

When you stop to think about it, the ear can be a pretty marvellous machine.  

For hearing people, it acts like a tiny power plant, receiving mechanical vibrations from the air and converting them into electrical signals that the brain processes as sound.  

Some deaf and hard of hearing people can use technology to amplify these vibrations (hearing aids) or generate electrical signals (cochlear devices). 

And there’s still a lot we don’t understand about how sound works.  

For example, scientists have yet to conclude how a series of molecular collisions (otherwise known as sound waves) in the air can set off frisson—the physical “chill” or goosebumps that two-thirds of us feel when we listen to our favourite song.  

There’s also more research to do on why some people suffer from misophonia—an excessive reaction of anger to certain noises, like chewing. 

One thing we do know for sure is that these highly sensitive sensory organs can be permanently damaged by loud noise.

In fact, among young people, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a growing problem.  

Safe Space

One extreme loud noise, or steady loud noise over a period, can cause NIHL. When too-strong vibrations enter the inner ear, they weaken or destroy the hair cells that produce the electrical signals the brain interprets as sound.   

More and more, kids are experiencing NIHL, likely due to increases in headphones, electronics, and busy, crowded environments. WorkSafeBC reports that eleven percent of workers under the age of 21 already show signs.  

That’s why we’ve partnered with them to renew Hear Here, an important exhibit in Tinkering Space: The WorkSafe BC Gallery. 

“Noise can reach hazardous levels almost anywhere, from your home and workplace to schools and recreation centres,” says Kevin La Freniere. He's head of Stakeholder Experience, Marketing, and Corporate Communications at WorkSafeBC.  

“But noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. With Science World, we can facilitate fun learning experiences that help young people protect themselves. They'll see some of the science behind occupational health and safety concepts. They'll learn how to connect safety to their life and future work.” 

Tinkering with Empathy 

"We don’t start with, ‘What lesson do we want to teach?’” says Michael Fairchild-Simms, Science World’s Exhibitions Manager. “We start with, ‘What change do we want to see?’” 

From this operating premise, Science World creates and enhances their exhibits.  

In Tinkering Space, the Hear Here exhibit shows visitors how noise in everyday situations could impact their hearing.  

After its initial installation, gallery staff observed visitor interaction and received feedback on areas for improvement.  

With WorkSafeBC content experts, our Exhibits team co-developed new scripts, soundscapes, software, hardware, and graphics. These updates better reflect what NIHL feels and sounds like for an individual.  

Nicole Vieira, the Curator of Tinkering Space, says the updates simulate more familiar soundscapes of nature, classroom, and a construction site. "This really helps visitors connect to their own lived experiences and truly see the impact that NIHL could have on their lives.” 

The renewals, completed at the end of November, also provide visitors more opportunities for experimentation and self-discovery.

Michael says this increased tactical engagement will encourage the emotional, knowledge-based, and practical experiences that lead to change. For example, if a visitor still wears earplugs in loud spaces after six months, the exhibit achieved one of its goals. 

"We hope people leave Hear Here with their health, happiness and future in mind,” says Michael. “And that they’re empowered to take new actions to protect themselves.” 

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Get Up to Your Ears in Science!  

Visit Tinkering Space: The WorkSafeBC Gallery or check out our resources on Sound that include fun videos and activities you can do from home.