RNID commissioned the survey, which measured noise levels in three different areas within each club - the dance floor, the bar and the chill-out area. It found that in some venues, the noise was so loud on the dance floor - sometimes as loud as an aircraft taking off (approx. 110dB(A)) - that for those clubbers regularly exposed to loud music, the cumulative effect could be very damaging. Someone who goes clubbing once a week could potentially be putting their hearing at risk, even if they only spend a few minutes on the dance floor on each occasion, say the RNID.
The most worrying readings were, however, taken in chillout rooms - areas set aside for clubbers to sit down and give their feet and ears a break. Out of the 15 nightclubs surveyed, three didn't provide any obvious chill-out areas - or if they did, these areas were closed on the evening the survey took place. In the remaining 12 nightclubs, noise levels in the supposedly quieter areas averaged 92.3dB(A) - over 12 decibels higher (or 16 times the sound energy) than the 80dB(A) average recommended for the workplace. Especially worrying, was that in one club, the chill-out area proved to be even louder than the dance floor!
Dr John Low, RNID chief executive, says: "Since the launch of RNID's 'Don't Lose the Music' campaign last year, we've been advising people to protect themselves against the cumulative effects of loud music by taking regular breaks and by using the chill-out areas to give their ears a break. This new survey shows that clubbers following our advice are being let down by club owners who are failing to provide this space. Lots of clubbers have told us they were not aware that the level of the music played in nightclubs is potentially harmful, and many wrongly believed that noise levels were regulated. The reality is that noise levels vary tremendously from club to club, with many reaching potentially damaging levels, and there is no legislation in place to protect the clubber.
"RNID doesn't want to discourage people from clubbing or call for legislation to lower volume. Instead we want club owners to act responsibly by providing clear information about noise levels and the effect on their customer's hearing. Unless owners provide ample 'safe' chill-out space, and start alerting their customers to the risks associated with excessive noise exposure, we are potentially storing up trouble for the future. It's like sunbathing - if you understand the risks and choose to ignore them, that's your decision, but if you're not told about the potential consequences how can you make an informed choice?" RNID believes clubbers and club owners have a joint responsibility to protect clubbers' hearing.It calls for club owners to provide chill-out space where noise levels don't exceed 80dB(A); publish noise levels for the dance floor, the bar and the chill-out area, where they can be seen by staff and the public and display consumer-friendly signs advising about hearing protection; provide earplugs for free or available to buy. At the same time, clubbers should protect themselves by taking regular breaks from loud music; wear earplugs if regularly exposed and make a conscious effort not to stand by loudspeakers.
(Lee Baldock)
