From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!alice!wookie Newsgroups: net.social Title: loud music Article-I.D.: alice.1522 Posted: Tue Feb 22 17:07:49 1983 Received: Wed Feb 23 05:10:24 1983 PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES HoSoun Level dB (A) 8 90 6 92 4 95 3 97 2 100 1.5 102 1 105 0.5 110 0.25< 115 >From part 1910.95 "Occupational Noise Exposure" (Dept. of Labor) of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chap XVII of Title 29 See also Guidelines to the Dept of Labors Occupational Noise Standards, Bulletin 334, GPO: 1971 O-484-782(3). I have worked with sound reinforcement equipment at rock concerts (with ear protection in place!!!!) and have measured levels in excess of 120dB measured three feet in front of the speakers. People would come right up to the front of the speaker (one foot) and listen for quite a while. I was always amazed at this and wonder why hearing protection isn't of more concern. I am glad to see there are people out there concerned about this problem and I would suggest that you buy or rent a Sound Level Meter such as the General Radio type 1565-B and go to the gym where your children are practicing and see for yourself what levels are involved. The table above shows what the government allows and we know that is probably too much exposure anyway! Too loud noises will cause permanent nerve damage to the delecate tissues in the ear so protect what you have! Keith Bauer White Tiger Racing Bell Labs Murray Hill