While most consumers may be aware that playing music too loud can affect their hearing over time, this is becoming quite a serious problem with the young generation. Industrial workers who use jackhammers or other equipment that produces continuous notice of over 85 decibels know that wearing ear protection is vital, yet those attending loud clubs and discos obviously don't wear protection, despite being exposed to sounds as high as 110 to 120 decibels continuously. If the high volume at night-clubs is not bad enough, most of these consumers end up listening to iPods or other MP3 players at near, if not at their max volume.
According to hearing experts, an average of three in four people risk permanent hearing damage and tinnitus (continuous ringing in the ear) by the age of 30 as a result of their exposures to MP3 players and nightclubs. While an iPod can only produce up to between 100dB (European restriction) and 104dB (elsewhere), this is still loud enough to over-power a jackhammer at just 5 metres from the listener. A one tell-tale sign of music being too loud includes the experience of ringing in the ear immediately after listening to music.
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Hearing experts say it is absurd that industrial workers wear ear protection but those attending booming concerts and clubs are often unprotected. Studies have shown workers constantly exposed to 85 decibels are at risk of hearing problems. |
One thing I found quite disturbing is that some people complain about not being able to turn up their iPod loud enough. In a way, this is a good limitation, since according to H.E.A.R., exposures of 100dB should be limited to 2 hours, which means that if consumers were able to crack up the volume much further, they would be at a much greater risk of hearing loss at an early age, not to mention their exposure if they also attend nightclubs. Unfortunately, a person only has one pair of ears, so if they insist on listening to music at high volume, then they should start thinking about what it would be like having to use a hearing aid possibly several years down the line.
As I have only attended a nightclub just a few times throughout my years at college, some people find it quite interesting that I can hear the high pitched whistling sound TVs make (15.6kHz to 15.7kHz tone), even from another room. However, very few people I've encountered who love their nightclubs and discos can hear this sound, although it is common for people to lose the capability of hearing sounds above ~12kHz after a certain age period.
Source: Herald Sun
