2024-01-14 11:50:59
Beyond the simple question of high sound volume, this practice of Overcompression of sound can have harmful consequences on hearing health. This phenomenon has been studied, highlighting recent results of studies carried out by Professor Paul Avan.
The Dynamic sound compression, a technique aimed at reducing the difference in levels between loud and quiet sounds, is omnipresent in our daily liveswhether duringlistening to music, radio, television or music platforms. It provides a consistent, linear sound experience, automatically adjusting volume to avoid unpleasant sound peaks or inaudible moments of silence. However, there are potential dangers when this compression is pushed to the extreme, resulting in overcompression.
The overcompressiondefined as a Excessive compression of sound, may become detrimental to hearing health upon prolonged exposure. Recent research led by Professor Paul Avan, a physiologist at the Hearing Institute in Paris, examined the effects of prolonged listening to supercompressed music in guinea pigsanimals with auditory similarity to humans.
Surprising results
The results are alarming: overcompressed music caused harmful effects, not on the inner ear, but on the auditory fatigue of the hearing neurons. Professor Paul Avan explains that overcompression “asphyxiates” the hearing system by eliminating microsilences, those brief moments of auditory pause necessary to allow the ears to recover. Another study also highlighted the risks of the generalization of low frequenciesadding to the complexity of harmful factors.
These discoveries pave the way for initiatives aimed at raise public awareness and establish sound quality standards. During UNESCO Sound Week, which begins on January 15, researchers and acousticians will offer a sound quality label, similar to a “nutriscore” for sound. This initiative might be placed on albums or music platforms, providing listeners with crucial information to protect their hearing health in a world where sound overcompression can go unnoticed.
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