Amplified music
To keep enjoying music... learn how to preserve your hearing! Above 85 dB, the hearing system is endangered (hearing loss, tinnitus...). So, adopt the right habits.
It is to be known that the harmfulness of noise depends on the level and the quantity of energy received. So, above 85 dB(A), one of the solutions to avoid risks is to limit the duration of exposure. Above 105 dB(A), the risk is very high beyond 5 minutes, long before pain arises, around 120 dB(A)!
Based on the “noise at work” regulations, it is recommended not to be exposed to 85 dB(A) more than 8 hours a day, 100 dB(A) more than 15 minutes and 110 dB(A) more than 1 minute and a half.
In a nightclub or during a concert
In a nightclub, the average sound level is usually around 105 dB(A), which is a very high level that corresponds to the noise emitted by a circular saw. For outdoor concerts, in the absence of regulations, the sound levels can reach much higher values.
Be careful:
Be careful:
- Wear earplugs
- Do not go near the speakers
- Take breaks away from the sound (10 min every 45 min or 30 min every 2 hours)
- Take your physical condition into account: being tired weakens your ears. Alcohol, drugs, medication modify your perception of pain, weaken you and make you more vulnerable
- Pay attention to ear buzzing, ear ringing, dull hearing, muffled hearing! These symptoms show that you have exceeded the tolerable noise dose for your body. It is time to relieve your ears by leaving the place where you are exposed to noise or by using hearing protections
- Listen to your body! If these symptoms last more than 24 hours, go to the ENT emergency services as soon as possible. Without any treatment, the lesions can become irreversible after 48 hours
With your MP3 player
If the French legislation requires to limit the maximum sound level of MP3 players to 100 dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level), bear in mind that such a level is dangerous for your hearing. At full volume, you must absolutely limit your daily use to 15 minutes.
- Wait until you are in a quiet place to adjust the sound level of your MP3 player
- Do not forget to regularly control its volume, preferably set at half power
- Use the headphones or earphones provided with the player, they guarantee a maximum volume of 100 dB, which is already very high. You would unknowingly increase the risks if you replaced them with others with a higher output
- Limit your listening time and take breaks
- Pay attention to the signals sent by your body
You have doubts about something, you want advice or information on the nearest ENT service...
Dial the number of France Acouphènes: +33 (0)820 222 213 (€0.09 a minute within France).
Poll
How loud do you listen to your MP3 player?
Did you know?
In France, the neighbourhood noise regulations apply by both day and night.
The decree of April 18th, 1995, completes the notion of breach of the peace at night and applies 24/7.
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