Noise exposure limit for children in recreational settings: Review of available evidence

Abstract

It is universally recognized that prolonged exposure to high levels of non-impulsive noise will lead to noise-induced hearing loss. These high levels of noise have traditionally been found in an occupational setting, but exposure to high levels of noise is increasingly common in recreational settings. There is currently no established acceptable risk of hearing loss in children. This review assumed that the most appropriate exposure limit for recreational noise exposure in children would be developed to protect 99% of children from hearing loss exceeding 5 dB at the 4 kHz audiometric test frequency after 18 years of noise exposure. Using the ISO 1999:2013 model for predicting hearing loss, it was estimated that noise exposure equivalent to an 8-h average exposure (LEX) of 82 dBA would result in about 4.2 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. The 8-h LEX was reduced to 80 dB to include a 2 dB margin of safety. This 8-h LEX of 80 dBA is estimated to result in 2.1 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. This is equivalent to 75 dBA as a 24-h equivalent continuous average sound level.

Loud Music and Leisure Noise Is a Common Cause of Chronic Hearing Loss, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

“…Recent analyses have recommended that exposures to leisure noise not exceed an 8-h TWA level of 80 dB(A), with a 3 dB exchange [68,69] (Figure 1). Under these guidelines, a two-hour concert should be enjoyed at a level no greater than 86 dB(A), assuming that is the only dose of loud sound for the day.…”

“…The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health maximum time-weighted average (TWA) recommended exposure level (i.e., the NIOSH REL[14] in blue), and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration maximum TWA permitted exposure level (i.e., the OSHA PEL[16] in red), is plotted as a function of exposure duration. In addition, a recent recommendation for maximum TWA exposure levels for leisure noise[68,69] is plotted (in green), along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "effective quiet" level of ≤70 dB(A)[15].…”

Leisure Noise Exposure and Associated Health-Risk Behavior in Adolescents: An Explanatory Study among Two Different Educational Programs in Flanders

“…However, other leisure noise activities should also be considered; e.g., using PMPs [54]. Further, it is recommended to limit leisure noise exposure in children at a more stringent 8-h L EX of 80 dBA [55]. In addition, at an individual level, achieving a more health-orientated behavior should be aimed for [33,34].…”

Online, Asynchronous Hearing Education and Research Project for Ethnically Diverse Adolescents via Interprofessional Collaboration and Electronic Service-Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study on the Needs and Challenges

“…Recommendations from excellent peer-reviewed articles (e.g., Neitzel & Fligor, 2019;Roberts & Neitzel, 2019) and resources from authentic online content such as "It's a Noisy Planet: Protect Their Hearing" (Figg, 2018) and "Make Listening Safe Campaign" (World Health Organization, 2015) were utilized. Reviewing the entire narrated presentation and all the videos in one sitting required approximately 35-45 min.…”