Music lovers dance at an event. Image: Reuters

Loud Music at event venues can damage hearing-WHO

On Mar 3, 2022

Young people risk hearing loss from loud music in venues such as nightclubs and concerts, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said, as it issued a new global standard for safe listening.

Nearly 40% of teenagers and young adults aged 12–35 years in middle and high-income countries are exposed to potentially damaging sound levels in venues such as nightclubs, discotheques and bars, the WHO said in a statement.

It added that it recommended a maximum average sound level of 100 decibels.

”The risk of hearing loss is intensified because most audio devices, venues and events do not provide safe listening options,” Bente Mikkelsen, WHO director for the department for noncommunicable diseases said on Wednesday.

The WHO also said that it recommended live monitoring of sound levels and designated “quiet zones”at venues.

The new recommendations are in addition to guidelines the WHO issued in 2019 outlining how individuals can limit hearing damage due to prolonged exposure to loud music on devices such as mobile phones and audio players.

Reuters/Hauwa Abu