[Xavier]

Constant listening at what SPL and above causes hearing loss?

 

[JRace]

8 Hours @ 90 dB SPL A

2 Hours @ 100 dB SPL A


Hearing damage is a function of duration, frequency and intensity.

 

[rynberg]

Quote:

Originally posted by JRace 8 Hours @ 90 dB SPL A 2 Hours @ 100 dB SPL A Hearing damage is a function of duration, frequency and intensity.

That's a gross oversimplification. Those OSHA numbers were developed to simulate a lifetime of working in an environment. Those levels were determined from a percentage of people who have developed significant threshold shift.


While every set of ears is different, it's unlikely you will suffer measurable hearing loss from listening to music/home theatre at any reasonable level (

 

[R. Aster]

Quote:

Originally posted by Xavier Constant l... above ... loss?

Could you repeat the question?

 

[DoyleS]

Keep in mind that hearing loss doesn't occur uniformly across the frequency spectrum. I have several friends who have had notches (800-1000 Hz) in their hearing spectrum from copying Morse code for hours at a time. Very intense sounds like gun shots or even devices like the cavitrons that Dental techs use to clean teeth can cause symptoms like Tinitis (ringing in the ears).

When its gone, its gone.


..Doyle

 

[ChrisWiggles]

the standard number i hear is anything above 85 or so, but this is over a LONG period of time.


I am VERY sensitive to loud volumes, 90 db is beginning to approach my pain threshold, and that's not very loud at all. However, I have suffered eartubes more than once as a child, so my ears have suffered significant damage and scarring.


Please protect your hearing. Always wear ear plugs at concerts and other loud events. I suffer from pain even with simple things like car doors closing and my own applause and yelling.

 

[JRace]

Dont forget that the numbers I posted are 'A" weighted.


Check your system at loud volumes with your SPL on 'C' (which is what you should be using to calibrate it), then compare aginst 'A'. There is a difference. (A puts more emphasis on High frequecies).


Noise induced hearing loss is in the higher (1000hz and up) frequencies, usually a notch at 3000ish.

 

[Xavier]

Thanks for the information. Is there THX spec on SPL for watching movies?

 

[rynberg]

Quote:

Originally posted by Xavier Thanks for the information. Is there THX spec on SPL for watching movies?

85 dB average in each channel with 20 dB peaks (105 dB). LFE has another 10 dB of headroom (115 dB!).


I know the purists disagree, but I think it's stupid and totally unnecessary to watch a film at this level in a home environment.

 

[JRace]

Quote:

Originally posted by rynberg 85 dB average in each channel with 20 dB peaks (105 dB). LFE has another 10 dB of headroom (115 dB!). I know the purists disagree, but I think it's stupid and totally unnecessary to watch a film at this level in a home environment.

Of course it is. Always enjoy your music and movies at the volume you find enjoyable.