Season 2, Episode 8 | July 16, 2025

The Science of Sound - Part 1

We live in an increasingly noisy world. Our cities are louder than ever. Our devices can pump dangerous levels of sound directly into our ears. One in eight kids has permanent hearing damage. And while we count calories and track our steps, most of us have no idea how much acoustic damage we're absorbing every day.

In part 1 of a two-part episode, we explore the science of sound and its profound impact on our lives. Host Randy Scott speaks with Laurie Heller, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University where she runs the Auditory Perception and Cognition Lab. We speak with Professor Heller about how our brains process sound, the dangers of noise pollution and the importance of protecting our hearing. The conversation delves into the physiological aspects of hearing and how too much noise can lead to not only hearing loss but other health consequences such as high blood pressure, sleep disturbances and even heart disease. Professor Heller gives us practical tips for safeguarding our auditory health and emphasizes the need for managing a balanced sound environment that promotes hearing safety and well-being.