Quote:
Originally Posted by OScubed
... the articles...define the "pain threshold" at 140db. ...continuous exposure at only 100db should not occur for more than 2 hours. It's both the volume AND the duration that matter when it comes to hearing loss. The articles above indicate that anything more than brief exposure to sound levels over 100db can cause permanent hearing loss.
I don't own a dB meter, nor am I an audiologist. But I have a pair of ears and can implement simple tests per the above recommendations.
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Having been to many FIRST events, I've noticed that the noise level does vary. I think both the LA and San Diego regionals this year were reasonable. FIRST has rules about the behavior of people at FRC events, including the use of "noisy devices" (read "
Site Restrictions").
I have known of A/V people who use a dB meter. What would it take to own one? I decided to do a quick shopping trip on the Internet.
Radio Shack sells one for around $50. It only measures from 50 to 126 dB SPL, and is not intended for OSHA or ANSII-type standards. You would use it to calibrate your home stereo, or as one reviewer noted, to prove to your kid that his or her iPod is indeed too loud.
Professional-level meters start at a few hundred dollars and skyrocket up in price. I suppose you could use a hobbyist-type meter as a screening device to back up your pleas to the AV folks to "turn it down." You could also use it to try to find a spot in the stands where the sound level is more tolerable. But it does hurt when you encounter people who just don't care that they are damaging the hearing of countless young people.
