I want to respond to the article (April 22) reporting that the volume levels from music at Red Rocks is now significantly louder. The complaints from neighbors living in Morrison focused on electronic dance music played by a DJ as being much louder than any other music.
These volume levels are “something new and different than anything in the past.” The music was so loud that “retreating to the basement while wearing ear plugs didn't help.” As an audiologist with over 22 years of experience I want to raise awareness about these sound levels that cause permanent and irreversible hearing loss often associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
I recorded sound levels at a club playing electronic dance music at over 100 decibels. The dancing 20- and 30-year-olds loved it! Sound levels above 85 decibels cause permanent hearing loss. As a musician for over 30 years I appreciate the love of music and dance. Audiologically, these young people are experiencing irrepairable damage to their hearing.
In addition to hearing loss caused by the louder volume at concerts is permanent hearing loss caused by headphone and earbud use. People of all ages are using headphones/earbuds everyday for many hours a day at levels that cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Use of 21st century advances in sound technology is causing an enormous increase in the number of people with hearing loss. Exposure to these sound levels via the louder volume of electronic dance music and headphone/earbud use are current problems that need to be addressed. I do not want to fit hearing aids on 25 year olds having problems hearing at work or in a college classroom with hearing loss equivalent to a 70 year old.Jeff Baron