This is Bill White with the VOA special English SCENCE REPORT.

The world is noisier than ever before. The noise comes from increases in industry, transportation and [?]. The World Health Organization says noise can be harmful.

The WHO says the 1.2. problem caused by noise is hearing loss. This happens mainly in work situations. The WHO says some machines 34 [?] equipment can creat very high sound levels.

The organization says many industrial workers experience very high noise levels during a work day. The WHO says this noise can begin to cause hearing loss in just six months. 5.6., the ear is able to recover hearing during the time away from the nise. However, in time the [?] bcomes permanent.

7.8. situations can also cause a condition called tinnitus. Peoplewith tinnitus hear a continuous ringing in their ears. WHO expers say this condition is a [?] of more serious 9.10. to come. Temporary tinnitus also can happen 11.12. 13. attend very loud music events.

The World Health Organization says continuous noise may cause high [?] [?] 14.15. disease. The health organization says research suggests a link between noise and mental health problems. Noise can interfere with sleep. It also may increase aggressive actions. Noise also can affect the performance of skills like reading and solving problems.

The WHO says noise is 16.17. a problem in the workplace. It says noise in the community also 18.19.. More than half of the people in Europe live in [?] surroundings. The organization says more than 30% of them experience noise levels at night that interfere with sleep.

The World Health Organization says there are ways to protect 20. 21. dangers of noise pollution. Companies 22.23. to create workspaces that protect workers from noise. The WHO says workers should wear coverings 24. [?] their ears.

The WHO recently published a report called Guidelines for Community Noise. 25. lists the possible [?] effects of noise levels in different situations. The report also offers ieas about legislation 26. 27. noise and ways to [?] such legislation.

This VOA Special English SCIENCE REPORT was written by Caty Weaver. This is Bill White.