High volume is high risk

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 1995

While you're moving to the music at your aerobics class, pay as much attention to your ears as you do your waistline. You just may be losing more than those extra pounds.

Many people who work out in health clubs are exposed to damaging levels of noise which may result in permanent hearing loss, according to research at Wichita State University (WSU). Audiologist Raymond Hull found 90% of the health clubs and spas he monitored consistently blared music above 105 decibels for aerobic and body conditioning classes. Two-thirds had levels exceeding 110 decibels.

"Exposure at these levels is not condoned in the workplace by the Occupational Safety Hazards Administration (OSHA), even when the exposure is voluntary," says Hull. "Yet no one in the health clubs studied was aware the intensity of music they used was potentially damaging to their hearing.

"Many aerobics classes may inadvertently impair the hearing of participants and instructors because the music is too loud," he adds. Hull, director of WSU's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinics, presented his research findings at the American Academy of Audiology conference last April.

Repeated exposure to sounds at even the 100-decibel level can result in permanent damage, explains Hull. His study revealed levels of aerobics music as high as 124 decibels. That's dangerously loud when you consider a person can sustain permanent damage from 7.5 minutes of exposure at 120 decibels, according to OSHA.

Yet, in the interest of fitness, many people expose themselves to these high sound levels for 40 minutes or more per workout, three to five times a week, month after month, year after year. It adds up. Instructors especially, who teach an average of eight to 10 hours a week, could be at high risk for hearing damage.

"People shouldn't stop doing aerobics, but they should pay attention to sound environment," says Hull. "There's no way to reverse damage caused over time."

Here's the catch--it's not easy to pay attention to the adverse effects. Most hearing damage is subtle. It doesn't hurt. It doesn't even bother most people--until it is too late.

If you must raise your voice to be heard by those around you in class, chances are the music is too loud. Either ask for the volume to be turned down, or wear ear plugs. There are several types, including disposable plugs and custom-made ear protectors designed for music and noise. Cotton and facial tissue do not provide protection against unsafe noise levels.

"Most people are aware using stereos at high volumes and exposure to noise in certain industrial environments may be hazardous to their hearing," says Hull. "But we aren't always aware of the obvious risks involved in recreation activities or, as in the case of aerobics classes, when we assume the activity's goal is to improve or maintain good health.

"If you feel you have a hearing loss, see an audiologist or your doctor," adds Hull. "And if you are advised to wear hearing protection, wear it."