Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 11/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Recently took my daughter to a small children's fitness facility with low ceilings located in a "strip mall."  The music was too loud for my ears, so I am concerned for our daughter's hearing.  The class lasts 1 hr -- what's safe db level is safe for her?

ANSWER: Hi JJ,
This is an important and timely question.  Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is not only preventable, but it is quickly becoming a leading cause of hearing loss in children. A government survey revealed that 12.5% of children ages 6 to 19 (approximately 5.2 million children) have permanent damage caused by exposure to loud noises.  It is generally considered that prolonged exposure to sounds greater than 85 dB can cause hearing loss.  To give you an idea of what 85 dB is...an average vacuum cleaner or hair dryer is about 80 dB; a blender is about 90 dB.  Many devices that children use today have noise levels much higher than 85 dB. For example, an MP3 player at maximum level is roughly 105 dB. Sounds at 100 dB can cause damage after 15 minutes of unprotected exposure. Sounds at 110 dB can cause permanent hearing loss after just one minute of exposure. If you want to continue taking your daughter to this facility, you can do a few things: first, you can purchase a cheap sound level meter and measure the noise in the gym.  If it is too loud, you would be doing everyone a favor by talking to the director and mentioning that the noise is dangerous to the children (BTW, how old is your daughter?).  Next, if your daughter wants to continue going to this facility, you can purchase an inexpensive set of ear plugs for her to use.  This would be especially advisable if your daughter is exposed to other noise during the day.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our Daughter is 9.

Are there state or federal regulations with which this business should be observing and complying?

Answer
Hi JJ,
The main governing body would be the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Here is a link to their website dealing specifically with noise: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/index.html.  You should find the necessary references in their links.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology