Clubbing and Concerts Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss
Patrons at music venues exceed safe levels of noise exposure
November 15, 2006, PERTH--A recent study led by Marcus Atlas, M.D., Director of the Ear Science Institute Australia (ESIA), Nedlands, Western Australia, has demonstrated that noise levels experienced by patrons in entertainment venues, such as dance clubs and concerts, consistently exceed levels considered safe for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. From April to August 2005, researchers from the ESIA measured the impact of sound levels in twelve popular entertainment venues in Perth, Western Australia.
 |
Sound levels were measured at various locations in the music venues. More than 300 patrons were also surveyed about the typical length of time they spent at entertainment venues, their frequency of attendance, if they experienced any side affects from their exposure to loud sounds at the music venues, and if they used any hearing protection at the venues, such as earplugs. The study showed that music venue-goers were exposed to an average sound level of 95.14 dB (A), which was consistent across venue types and across specific locations within each venue (near speakers vs. away from speakers). This sound level is equivalent to the noise emitted by a lawnmower or circular saw. At such sound levels, the recommended exposure time is 30 minutes to 1 hour, but patrons were spending on average close to five hours per visit in the venues. With frequent visits of extended duration, these patrons are putting themselves at significant risk of developing long-term hearing deficits. |
The majority of respondents (81%) claimed to have suffered an adverse effect from excessive noise exposure.
- 56% reported experiencing tinnitus
- 16% reported a temporary hearing loss
- 16% experienced a headache
- 4% felt nauseous
- 49% believed that the sound levels they were being exposed to would result in long-tem hearing damage
A small proportion (17%) of respondents wore hearing protection devices in anticipation of exposure to loud noise. Surprisingly, only 7% of respondents were willing to accept earplugs if offered at no cost by the venue. This raises the concern that the people surveyed in this study were generally aware of the risks of NIHL yet did not place enough importance on their hearing wellbeing.
Music venue patrons 25 years and older were significantly more likely to either wear earplugs or accept them if offered by the venue at no cost. There were also differences in attitude towards hearing protection at music venues when gender was taken into account with females far less likely than males to either use hearing protection or hold a favorable attitude towards hearing protection (earplugs) if offered.
Dr. Atlas is concerned by the findings and what appears to be an increase in the incidence of ‘noise induced’ hearing loss among young people. “Our research supports a global trend that seems to be emerging,” Dr. Atlas says. “More patients require hearing aids or cochlear implants earlier in life as a result of hearing loss caused through listening to loud music.”
“Noise induced hearing loss is totally preventable and taking simple steps such as wearing ear plugs when attending music venues will certainly protect their hearing, without affecting the quality of sound or experience,” says Dr. Atlas.
Those afflicted by noise-induced hearing loss may experience social isolation as a consequence of deficient communication with loved ones, friends, and co-workers; be unable to effectively monitor their own environment; be at increased risk for accidents and injury; and finally, suffer a reduced quality of life due to hearing loss and persistent tinnitus.
To preserve hearing, ESIA advises the following:
- Limit the time spent listening to your personal music players, especially if you like to play your music loud. Generally, a maximum of four hours per day at moderate sound levels is advised or you may start to damage your ears.
- Personal music players can generate over 85db (even above 100dB). Safe exposure times are considered to be about eight hours a day. However at 90db the safe exposure time is only about four hours and after only 15 minutes at 100dB you are likely to be damaging your hearing.
- If attending a concert use ear plugs and do not stand too close to speakers. The further away the less intensity of the sound and hence the less noise damage.
- An early warning sign of permanent damage to your ears is if you experience temporary deafness or tinnitus (ringing in the ear). If this occurs, you need to alter your listening habits. Reduce the amount of time you are listening to loud music or turn the volume setting down. If you are worried about your hearing, please see an audiologist for a hearing test.