On World Hearing Day (March 3) the World Health Organisation released a new international standard for entertainment noise (including concerts) to reduce exposure to loud sound for young people. As part of an interdisciplinary team, Dr Johannes (Jos) Mulder, Senior Lecturer in Music Technology at the School, contributed to the evidence base for this new standard.
The Global standard for safe listening at venues and events highlights six recommendations for implementation to ensure that venues and events limit the risk of hearing loss to their patrons while preserving high-quality sound and an enjoyable listening experience. The six recommendations are:
(1) a maximum average sound level of 100 decibels
(2) live monitoring and recording of sound levels using calibrated equipment by designated staff
(3) optimizing venue acoustics and sound systems to ensure enjoyable sound quality and safe listening
(4) making personal hearing protection available to audiences including instructions on use
(5) access to quiet zones for people to rest their ears and decrease the risk of hearing damage; and
(6) provision of training and information to staff.
The new standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative which seeks to improve listening practices especially among young people, drawing on the latest evidence and consultations with a range of stakeholders including experts from WHO, government, industry, consumers, and civil society.