特别广播英语第 296 课：Why Can We Hear the Sound of the Ocean in a Shell?
贝壳传来海洋之音？-2

We are constantly surrounded by noise, most of which is not audible to us unless we hold something like a seashell close to one of our ears. 我们处在不断的杂音包围之中，其中大部分杂音我们是听不见的，除非把贝壳之类的东西靠近耳边才能听到。

The sound waves collected from a larger area resonate inside it and we hear a greater amount than usual of the ambient sound around us, though in a jumbled up form. 从周围大范围空气中收集来的声波会在贝壳里面产生共鸣，这样我们就能听到更多环绕在我们四周的杂音，不过听起来杂乱不堪。

The noise in the shell increases along with the level of ambient noise in the surrounding area. 贝壳中的声音会随着周围杂音的音量变大而增强。

The "ocean" is a lot louder in a noisy room where a multitude of sounds bounce around and mix together inside the shell. 因此“海洋”的声音在一个嘈杂的房间中听来会更大。因为房间里多重复杂的声音会在贝壳中来回激荡、相互混杂。

The level of noise we hear also depends on the angle and distance of the shell from the ear. 我们听到声音的大小同时也取决于贝壳与耳朵的角度及距离。

In the past, the spiral tips of conch shells were often used as aids for the hearing impaired. 过去，海螺贝壳螺旋状的尖端常被用作听障人士的助听器。

Nowadays, shells decorate many a living room cabinet. 如今，贝壳成了许多客厅橱柜的装饰品。

If you have a big seashell, why not close your eyes and treat yourself to a quick trip to the seaside?如果你有一个大贝壳，何不闭上眼睛，让自己去海边度个小假呢？