Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/27/2009

Question
I take aquafit in a swimming pool in a YMCA class.  The music they play sometimes seems quite loud. I try to find a place in the pool where it is less, but there is not a spot. I mention it, but the teachers are young and respond to those who 'want it loud'

Is there a sound level that is safe for the body #I know it is not just ears being affected by sound#... I am not sure how they would measure it if they knew...but if there is scientific data there is far more possibility of them listening when someone complains of the loudness.    Looking for guidance in how to work it out or where to find this information.   Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Judy,
This is a great question.  Noise exposure is the leading cause of hearing loss.  And now especially, mostly due to personal listening systems, even children are at high risk for hearing loss.

I am going to refer you to two sites:  the first is for OSHA, the Governmental regulatory body, which has strict rules on acceptable noise level: http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10625

The second is from NIOSH, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/abouthlp/noisemeter_flash/soundMeter_flash...

Although these guidelines refer to "occupational noise exposure," they have become the standard for just about any type of noise exposure, including recreational. So, just a minute's worth of exposure to "noise" that registers a level of 110 dB can cause hearing loss.  Music can range anywhere from 50 dB for soft background music to 120 dB for a loud rock band.

My recommendation would be to take this information to the teachers and explain that they need to be responsible and not give in to "those who want it loud."  You may also want to talk to some of the other people there and tell them that they are at risk of losing their hearing if they want their music loud.  If all this fails, you may want to discuss this matter with the Director of the Y and explain that they need to take the responsible route.

If all this fails and you still wish to work out in that Y, you should find an audiologist near you who can make special floatable ear protection plugs designed for swimming.

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology