loud music

[Noral D. Stewart]

aerobiguy at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Does anyone have any experience, or can cite articles, on maximum sound
> levels in aerobics classes, or hearing loss from same?
> 
> I've got the OSHA guidleines, which say A weighting, slow response should
> not exceed 105 dB for 1 hour, but this seems very high. I've got a sound
> level meter and I'm about to conduct a survey to find the most enjoyable
> sound levels in aerobics classes. Most of these participants say they're
> more motivated with louder music.
> 
> There's an interesting thread (loud music) on misc.fitness.aerobic.
> 
> SteveThe guideline of 105 dB for one hour assumes the rest of the day is 
quiet.  It also is based on the assumption that the exposure occurs 
several days a week for several years.  One such exposure a week is not 
likely to cause permanent loss.  However, daily participants and 
instructors could be at risk.  Instructors could especially be at 
risk if exposed to high levels several hours a day and several days a 
week.  Their employers might be subject to citation by OSHA unless they 
are exempted in some way or are in a proper hearing conservation program 
with controlled exposure.  For reference, the level at the mixboard of 
an outdoor rock-and-roll concert is typically around 105 dB, often 
higher.  Levels are typically higher closer to the stage.  From my 
experience, levels in aerobics rooms are not usually this high.  
However, they are high enough to cause problems for any neighbors in the 
same building.  Normal building construction cannot adequately block the 
levels found in aerobics rooms.  Thus, such facilities should not be 
located in the same building with other businesses unless there is an 
adquate buffer space.