As I made my way back to my car after picking up take-out, I could hear the full bass thud of a DJ’s PA System. The sound arrived to my ears from a space roughly 20 yards away, having been released from an open air bar. Being the audio enthusiast that I am (some would say audio nerd) I opened the SPL meter app that I had stored on my phone and took a quick reading. The average read 90.1 SPL (shown here). If that was the level I was being exposed to from the neighboring parking lot, what were the patrons being exposed to? I got back into my car, hoping the people inside were wearing earplugs, but knowing that many would not have any protection. I wondered how much pressure the DJ felt to make the playback so loud. Loudness brings excitement, but also ruins ears, and ruined ears have trouble experiencing the full capacity music has to offer.

We are fortunate to live in a time where we have fairly accurate SPL meter apps, drug stores that sell earplugs, music stores that sell earplugs (some) aimed at lowering frequencies evenly; and audiologists that sell custom earplugs that are molded to our anatomy, offering a solid experience and shoot for a flat attenuation. We also have SPL exposure charts provided by groups like OSHA that allow the public to understand where safe listening zones are. Furthermore, bands like Pearl Jam working with groups like MusiCares sometimes offer earplugs at their concerts. There is no modern day excuse to arrive at a music event unprepared and unprotected. If you want to stay a music lover who is unimpeded by hearing damage and hearing loss, then I recommend you keep a copy of the OSHA chart on your cell phone, and a pair of earplugs in your ears. If you do have hearing damage please take precautions not to exacerbate it, please see an audiologist if you haven’t already, and please plug those earholes when you are surrounded by loud sounds.

Wishing everyone a lifetime of happy listening,

Kevin Mattesky