Auckland, Feb 3, 2011

The safe sound indicator invented by the Young New Zealander of the Year has the potential to change the way future generations deal with noise, the National Foundation for the Deaf (NFD) said today.

In congratulating Jamie Fenton on her award, NFD CEO Louise Carroll said the indicator, which displays noise levels in the form of traffic lights with red meaning noise is too loud, would teach young children how sound could become toxic.

“The concept Jamie came up with is a good simple way of getting the message across to children and hopefully it is a message they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Mrs Carroll said today.

“We congratulate Jamie on being named 2011 Young New Zealander of the year. Her idea was innovative and an example of the skills she has applied to many other areas of her life.”
Mrs Carroll said the safe sound indicator, showed a green light when noise reached 80 decibels, and progressed through orange to a warning red when the level started to become dangerous at 90 dB and the first 50 indicators are about to be distributed.

The safe sound indicator was being sold to pre-schools around New Zealand where research has shown noise levels can be a risk to both staff and children and in some instances being donated as a result of much appreciated grants from funding agencies.

ENDS

© Scoop Media