Some low-decibel noise over noise : The Tribune India

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Some low-decibel noise over noise

I don’t want to add decibels (a unit used to measure the intensity of sound) to the peace-shattering noise over Sonu Nigam’s noise over a nuisance, which seems a perfectly peace-seeking series of tweets: “God bless everyone.

Some low-decibel noise over noise


Harvinder Khetal

I don’t want to add decibels (a unit used to measure the intensity of sound) to the peace-shattering noise over Sonu Nigam’s noise over a nuisance, which seems a perfectly peace-seeking series of tweets: “God bless everyone. I’m not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the Azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India.” 

“I don't believe in any temple or gurudwara using electricity To wake up people who don't follow the religion. Why then..? Honest? True?”

“Gundagardi hai bus...”

And, lo and behold! This ‘daring demand’ unfolded a deafening drumming (warning) that just deepened dramatically and the din dragged on. 

So, let me diligently draw the decibel down a bit with this absolutely silent incident that is indelibly imprinted on my mind due to a commotion that it stirs in my heart whenever I recall it. Around six years ago, I was travelling in a local DTC bus from the IIT to my office in the ITO in New Delhi when a group of youngsters came aboard at the AIIMS stop. Nothing unusual about it. Till my attention was drawn to them by the animated conversation they were enjoying. Like any other normal group of college-going teenagers, they were talking nineteen to the dozen (chatting incessantly), totally engrossed in their own talk, huddled together in the aisle since all seats were occupied, oblivious to anything much else. As they grinned and gesticulated energetically with their hands to make a point, a point drove home: this group is special. They were hearing and vocally impaired. 

This was definitely one time I wouldn’t have minded being disturbed by noise. 

At the same time, it underscores the need to value and appreciate the gift of hearing and speech that we have been bestowed with. As also, to not misuse or abuse it. We must be aware that exposure to high-decibel sounds can cause deafness. It’s common among people working in factories with loud machines.

This gets the drum roll going on related stories of silence and chatterboxes. A drum roll is a rapid succession of beats sounded on a drum, often used to introduce an announcement or event. 

Nobody can claim to have not given a headache to their teachers and parents with their childish prattle (foolish or inconsequential talk) or not been upbraided and told to sit quietly “with fingers on your lips.” One of our mams always referred to us as chatterboxes who had converted the classroom into a fish market. 

Or, remember the pin-drop silence expected in a library? When even the scraping of a pen or shuffling the page of a book is noise? Yes, noise is relative. The ear-splitting music is a harmonious, foot-tapping beat in a discotheque. But the same decibel level maybe too loud and punishable in a residential locality. You may enjoy the company of jabbering friends when you are free, but the same may not sound cacophonic when you are working or too tired or sleepy. I am a light sleeper, easily woken up by even a slight sound. Then, it’s quite a disquieting task to get back to slumber.

That’s why this anecdote of the barking dog always music to my ears: 

A man noted for his tact was awakened one morning at 4 o'clock by his ringing telephone. "Your dog's barking, and it's keeping me awake," said an irate voice. The man thanked his caller, a neighbour, and politely asked his name before hanging up.

The next morning at 4 o'clock, he called his neighbour back. "Sir," he said, "I don't have a dog."

Incidentally, I am reminded of this street dog that I encounter every day in the summer when I approach my car parked on the driveway. As soon as I open the door, I feel the dog ruffle, having immediately woken up from its snug sleep under the car. By the time I switch on the ignition, it has shuffled out of the shaded and secure spot and I safely reverse out. 

That’s because the sound thresholds vary for different animals. Did you know that the blue whale is not only the largest animal on earth but also the loudest? Its extraordinarily loud whistle reaches 188 decibels and can be heard hundreds of kilometres under water. Compare this with the upper limit of a jet, which just 140 decibels. And, human shouting is 70 decibels, with sounds over 120 decibels causing a pain to ears. 

Also, the tone and pitch of the auditory sound too matter in a conversation. It is said that sometimes it is the tone of speaking that does more harm to a relationship than what is said. So, please take care.

And, for fun, try saying this tongue-twister fast:

What kind of noise annoys an oyster? A noisy noise annoys an oyster.  

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