How can hearing loss from leisure noise be prevented?
Tips on how to minimise noise damage from everyday activities
- Use earplugs. Earplugs can be unobtrusive and will not block out the sound of music or conversation. In fact, by blocking the excess noise, they can improve your ability to make out conversation and music. If worn correctly, earplugs can reduce sound levels by between 15 and 35 dBA. Special earplugs are available for musicians.
- Take regular breaks from the music or other noise source. Aim for at least ten minutes’ break every hour.
- Give your ears time to recover after exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to a 100 dBA sound for around two hours requires at least 16 hours of rest for the ears if the hearing loss is not to become permanent. A minority of people are more sensitive and a longer period of rest may be required.
- Avoid standing too close to the speakers or other noise source.
- Don’t go to noisy places too often, and try less noisy pastimes.
How can leisure activities damage hearing?
Regular exposure to sound levels over 80 decibels (dBA) is sufficient to cause tinnitus (ringing in the head or ears). In nightclubs and pop concerts, levels can reach well over 110 dBA and even classical concerts can exceed 100 dBA. For many, tinnitus will be the first sign of damage.
Research shows that around 70-80 percent of people who regularly visit nightclubs will experience tinnitus at least temporarily. However, because we are all unique it is impossible to predict how many times an individual can withstand such temporary hearing impairment before the damage is permanent.
As a result of greater awareness about noise-induced hearing loss, some countries have legislated to reduce noise levels in nightclubs. Switzerland has set a 90 dBA limit for sound levels at the edge of dance floors in clubs and Austria has reduced levels to 85 dBA. The UK has regulations designed to protect the hearing of those working at venues rather than club or concert-goers. From 6th April 2008, the music and entertainment sectors in Great Britain will be covered by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 which will replace those from 1989 (see How can hearing loss at work be prevented?)
Due to excessive loudness in many everyday activities, it is not just music lovers who are at risk. There is also a danger of noise-induced hearing loss from such pastimes as DIY or riding a motorcycle. A recent American study (see note 1) found that those people who had activities with average noise levels above 90 dBA increased their chance of hearing loss by 10%.
Some power tools can have noise levels above 90 dBA, which would require ear protection in a work environment. Some motorcycles can reach levels of over 100 dBA, which is as loud as a hydraulic press. Helmets may protect against bumps and crashes, but they offer next to no protection from the noise levels. Limiting the time you are exposed to these levels is very important, but using ear plugs while riding is a way of reducing the level your ears are exposed to (see note 2).
There is also an increase in the noise levels experienced at the cinema. The 1998 film Godzilla peaked at a level of 118 dBA (see note 3), and the trend seems set to continue. Remember to be aware of how long you are being exposed to loud sounds, and give your ears ample time to recover afterwards.
Can personal stereos damage hearing?
Current European Union legislation on the power output of ‘portable audio equipment’ with headphone use means the maximum volume personal music players can reach is 100 dBA – equivalent to a pneumatic drill from 12 feet. Germany is now pressing for a European limit of 90 dBA.
Apple have recently announced an update for their iPods that allows the listener to set the maximum volume. It also comes with a code, so parents can stop their children from undoing it (see note 4).
Repeated exposure to music from personal music players, through headphones, at, or near to, maximum volume will be sufficient to cause permanent damage to hearing in some people. As a rule, if other people can hear the sound from a personal music player, then it is too loud.
It is recommended that even if the volume on a personal music player is at about 60 percent of maximum, it shouldn’t be listened to for more than an hour continuously a day.
This is also important for those people who like listening to music while at the gym or heath club, as it can be easy to forget how long you have been listening to a personal music player while exercising.
Remember: Don’t increase the volume on your personal music player in order to drown out background noise such as a train or traffic.
