Pilot study of patron sound level exposure in loud restaurants, bars, and clubs in New York city

Abstract

Visiting restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges is a regular part of urban cultural life for residents and tourists alike; however, anecdotal reports and diner surveys suggest that sound levels are excessive and diners dislike them. High sound levels in these venues can contribute to both patron and employee overexposure, and young people may be particularly at risk. To supplement the paucity of literature and data on noise in urban venues, patron noise exposure was measured inside a sample of loud New York City restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges. Sound level measurements were obtained in 59 venues. Field staff conducted one 20-162 minute visit per venue on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening. The equivalent continuous sound pressure level on the A-scale (L) was calculated for each visit. Median and mean L among all venues sampled were both 92 decibels (dBA). Clubs and lounges had a higher mean L than restaurants and bars (97 vs. 91 dBA, p < 0.05). A greater number of patrons was associated with a higher L. Higher L values were observed during later hours of the evening (9 PM and later). For 80% (N = 47) of the venues, the L was above 85 dBA. In 49% (N = 29) of the venues, the visit exceeded the maximum allowable daily noise dose based on National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 85 dBA 8-hr Time-Weighted Average (TWA). Venues should assess indoor sound levels including employee exposure and aim to maintain sound levels that are within NIOSH guidelines.

The public’s exposure to and perception of noise in aquatic facilities: a pilot study

“…The authors found that the mean LAeq across 59 venues was 92 dB, with a range of 77 dB-107 dB (Spira-Cohen et al, 2017). The peak sound pressure level was recorded to be 114 dB (Spira-Cohen et al, 2017). The LAeq in restaurants, bars, and clubs appears to be, on average, higher than the values obtained from the current study.…”

“…Another study indicated children may be at a greater risk of NIHL (Berglund et al, Another study examined noise in busy restaurants, clubs, and bars in New York City. The authors found that the mean LAeq across 59 venues was 92 dB, with a range of 77 dB-107 dB (Spira-Cohen et al, 2017). The peak sound pressure level was recorded to be 114 dB (Spira-Cohen et al, 2017).…”

A recipe for sustainable development: assessing transition of commercial foodservices towards the goal of the triple bottom line sustainability

“…Noticeably, Zemke et al (2011) highlight noise as one of the social sustainability challenges prevailed within the commercial foodservice sector. Further research conducted in the USA (Green and Anthony, 2015;Rusnock and Bush, 2012;Scott, 2018;Spira-Cohen et al, 2017) confirms this by showcasing how inadequate management of noise can lead to community and guest dissatisfaction, thus endangering the well-being of these important foodservice stakeholders.…”

“…Specifically, excessive noise levels are evidenced in the findings that, apart from only quarter of commercial foodservice outlets with proper noise level (Rusnock and Bush, 2012), most foodservice businesses exceeded the maximum (85 dBA) recommended noise dose (Spira-Cohen et al, 2017). Such excessive levels not only interrupt guest conversation, disturb the residents' sleep (Sari et al, 2014), but also expose employees to a health risk of hearing loss (Green and Anthony, 2015;Rusnock and Bush, 2012).…”