One of the most important topics in sensory perception is noise-related hearing loss.  For an interesting article on the link between race car events and hearing loss, read this article (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/sports/othersports/26noise.html?_r=2 ) and provide some comments on your reaction.  Describe several ways in which noise-induced hearing loss can occur, and then discuss what can be done to reduce the chances of noise-induced hearing loss.  How is noise-related hearing loss different from natural age-related hearing loss?

Now discuss how our hearing changes as we age.  Do you think you have experienced any age-related hearing loss?  To experience this phenomenon, go to http://www.freemosquitoringtones.org and listen to several of the “Mosquito Ringtones”.  The website does a good job of highlighting the frequencies that different age groups are able to hear and not hear.  These ringtones were initially promoted to teenagers as a way to receive phone calls and text messages without adults being able to hear them.  More recently, however, they have been used as a way to keep teenagers from loitering in specific areas of shopping malls.  What was the highest frequency you were still able to hear?  Does it roughly correspond with your age?  Provide some additional thoughts on the differences and similarities between noise-related hearing loss and age-related hearing loss.

Discussion post should be at least 400 words. Answer each question with details.