Loud Movies & Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

After two years of many of us not being in movie theaters due to quarantine restrictions the magic of the big screen seems more amazing than ever. What a treat to see a long-anticipated film on the big screen with friends and family, sharing a bag of buttery popcorn and sour gummy worms. There is nothing like seeing your favorite actors towering above you with the sound vibrating through your entire body. However, it is important to be aware that the thunderous sounds at the movie theater. It could be loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss.

What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Sounds can invoke feelings of happiness and relaxation or excitement. However, once sounds reach a threshold, they cause vibrations loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss. The loudness of sound is measured in decibels and any sound over 85dB can begin to cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). At the beginning threshold of 85dB it takes 8 hours of constant exposure to cause hearing damage but as the decibels increase the time shrinks quickly. A ten-decibel increase is 10 times louder, but a 20 dB increase is 100 times louder. While most people consider hearing loss a condition that affects older adults due to exposure to NIHL, people of younger generations are experiencing hearing loss at rates not previously experienced. 

Going to the Movies

When the sounds of explosions or gunfire raise the decibels to the point where you can feel it in your gut while watching the newest blockbuster, it can be more damaging than you may suspect. However, it’s not just action blockbusters that pose a risk. Some mainstream kids’ movies can reach dangerous decibel levels as well. Even if the decibel level for most of a film is at a safe listening threshold, the action seems can quickly spike to levels as high as 104dB. That’s loud enough to cause hearing loss in less than 15 minutes! 

Controlling Sound Levels

There are regulations in place that control sound levels at theaters on a governmental level, but these industry standards speak to the average decibel volume of the entire movie. This allows for high spikes in decibels which can put millions of theater patrons at risk across the globe. The average level for a normal conversation is around 60dB but that won’t undo spikes in decibels, especially for extended dramatic and action scenes.

Signs of Hearing Loss at the Movies

If you’ve ever left a movie theater with ringing in your ears, it’s a clear sign that you’ve experienced some degree of hearing loss. This ringing is called tinnitus and is one of the most palpable signs of hearing loss. Often tinnitus is caused when cells in the inner ear, damaged by extreme noise, send feedback to the brain. 

Hearing Protection

If this has happened to you, most likely you are wondering what to do about it. The answer doesn’t lie in avoiding movies for the rest of your life. Just be prepared. Ear protection such as foam earplugs can lower the decibel level by 15 -33 dB. This decrease in decibel level is enough to enjoy the experience of surround sound at the movies without it costing you lasting hearing damage.

Testing Hearing Levels

If you are ever in doubt that a sound is too loud, don’t hesitate to test the decibel level. Most smartphones now offer free apps which allow you to take an average reading of any space you enter. Any sound which surpasses 85dB signals that it may be a good time to wear your ear protection.

Take Action Around Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen to anyone at any time and even though you may take every precaution possible to protect your hearing, accidents happen. You never know when you’ll be exposed to sounds unexpectedly, contributing to a significant loss. One of the most difficult aspects of treating hearing loss is knowing you have a problem. Most cases of hearing loss start gradually enough that it takes years for it to manifest itself extreme enough to self-diagnose. Taking action around hearing loss isn’t just about protecting your hearing from loud sounds in movie theaters. It also means scheduling annual hearing assessments, no matter your age. Schedule your hearing exam today!