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Noise levels among spectators at an intercollegiate sporting event
American Journal of Audiology
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Attending basketball games can temporarily harm hearing, as noise levels often exceed safe limits. Universities should warn fans and provide hearing protection to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Environmental Health
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Basketball arenas generate high noise levels during games.
- Understanding the impact of this noise on spectator hearing is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of noise levels in basketball arenas on attendees' hearing sensitivity.
- To measure noise intensity during games and evaluate changes in hearing thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Noise levels were measured using dosimeters during 10 intercollegiate basketball games.
- Hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were assessed in 20 participants before and after games.
Main Results:
- Participants experienced temporary shifts in pure-tone thresholds and reduced otoacoustic emissions post-game.
- Noise levels at 6 out of 10 games exceeded national workplace noise exposure standards.
Conclusions:
- Despite average noise levels not exceeding workplace standards, potential hearing risks exist for spectators.
- Universities should warn attendees about noise dangers, offer earplugs, and implement hearing conservation for staff.
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