If a Micro: Bit V2 is programmed to detect loud noises using the microphone that is built into it, then it will automatically decrease the volume of the headphones when the noise levels become too loud, because the Micro: Bit is set to respond right away when the sound level goes above a safe limit, such as 85 decibels. Most headphones are often used for long periods of time, and people often turn the volume up in noisy environments without realizing how it could affect their hearing. This helps protect a person’s hearing by reducing exposure to harmful sound levels over time. This will not only helps protect hearing by reducing exposure to harmful sounds but also allows the user to listen, without needing to adjust the volume manually. The system works continuously in noisy environments, making it both really convenient and effective in preventing potential hearing damage.

• Loudness is measured in decibels (dB).

• Sounds under 70 dB are safe, but prolonged exposure above 85 dB can damage hearing.

• A servo motor controls motion, and a micro: bit is a small programmable device.

• A potentiometer is an adjustable electronic component that controls the amount of electrical signal, such as volume, by changing resistance.

• Sound travels in waves through the air.
• A breadboard is a small plastic board with many small holes in it; it is used to connect electrical elements together to make a working system

Manipulated Variable

• Environmental noise level (Quiet, Medium, Loud)

Responding Variable

• Headphone volume level
• Servo Motor angle (amount of volume increased/decreased)

Controlled Variable

• Same distance between noise source and headphones
• same audio each time
• same room size
• Same volume

• First, I collected all the materials such as the Micro: Bit V2, Servo motor, Potentiometer, and headphones that were connected.
• The servo motor is connected to micro: bit for input and output fan is attached to the potentiometer which in turn is connected to headphones through wires so it could turn its volume knob.
• The micro: bit is programmed to detect sound levels and set a safe limit such as around 85 decibels as the highest point before decreasing the volume of the headphones.
• When the sound became too loud, the system automatically lowered the volume
• The setup was then tested using different sound levels, and the results were recorded.

During testing, I observed that the micro: bit detected loud sounds and activated the servo motor to lower the volume. At first, the system did not work properly because of a coding issue and loose wiring between the servo and potentiometer, but after fixing these problems, it worked correctly. The volume consistently decreased when the sound went above the safe limit, and the system operated automatically without manual adjustment.

During testing, the system did not work perfectly at first. The micro: bit did not respond properly to loud noises due to a coding error, but after making a few quick fixes to the program, it started working correctly and successfully turned the servo motor. Also, the wiring between the servo motor and the potentiometer was not connected properly at first, but this was quickly adjusted. After these corrections, the system worked as planned and lowered the volume when the sound level became too loud, supporting the hypothesis.

In conclusion this project shows us a safe and effective way to control headphone volume using a Micro: Bit V2. The Micro: Bit controls a servo motor that physically turns a potentiometer, just like turning a volume knob by hand. The potentiometer then decreases the sound level before it reaches the headphones, keeping the system simple and safe. Although a single potentiometer combines both channels into a single channel, resulting in identical audio playing from both speakers, the volume control still works well and meets the project goals. Overall, this project shows how electronics, mechanics, and coding can all work together to solve a real-world problem which is prevent hearing damage to people that use headphones regularly. Lastly my hypothesis was valid because I predicted that the Volume knob would automatically turn and can be controlled by micro: bit-servo.

These Noise-Aware Smart Headphones are designed to decrease the volume of headphones when it gets too high to keep sound at a safe level. It can be a part of any audio devices such as headphones, speakers, etc.

It can be used for children and the elderly. It provides a lot of safety by automatically lowering the volume when it becomes too high. Also, for those working in high noise level environments, such as construction sites, or a busy airport the device automatically adjusts sound levels to protect hearing.

Overall, this device can help many people when they are working or just using for personal audio devices.

There were some sources of error in this project

• One error was that I had to fix my micro: bit programing because the servo did not move at all when I tested it
• Also, my connections did not work properly at first (servo and potentiometer getting connected to the breadboard) because the volume of the headphones did not decrease as expected.

• https://lexiehearing.com/us/library/decibel-examples-noise-levels-of-common-sounds
• https://svantek.com/academy/sound-wave/
• https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52514-What-is-a-decibel
• https://support.microbit.org/
• https://www.softdb.com/blog/difference-between-db-dba/
• How to Use a Breadboard

I would like to acknowledge my parents and teachers, thank you for your support and guidance. Thank you again very much for all the help I have gotten from you guys.