Protecting Hearing At Concerts With Acoustic Foam
Sep 28, 2009 Blue Grass Music, Cajun Music, Clasical Music, Country Music, Easy Listining, Jazz Music, Modern Music, Music, New Age Music, Oldies, Pop Music, R&B Music, Rap Music, Rock Music
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Acoustic foam with absorbing qualities was designed to reduce airborne noise in an enclosed space. Acoustic foam works by absorbing noise in a room instead of allowing it to bounce of the walls, thus reducing the overall levels of noise. This is an essential insulation to help comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
In 2008, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations which had been implemented in other sectors from 2006, were applied to the music and entertainment industry. This is because there is definitive proof that exposure to live music can cause hearing damage, and exposure over a long period of time can result in permanent damage including full hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Protecting everyone involved in the production of live performances is the priority of the regulations. Simple and cost effective controls need to be introduced to venues by employers and managers so that noise levels can be monitored and reduced. This will ensure the protection of workers and artists while allowing the audience to enjoy the performance still.
People in the industry have got behind the regulations after suffering form hearing problems themselves. Paul Gray has been a guitarist for over twenty years and is a regional officer for the musician’s Union, but was forced to give up his touring career after suffering from hearing problems. Now he has to use ear protection everyday because of sensitivity to even quiet noises. Others supporting the changes are musicians, DJs and singers.
The regulations will only apply to employees and performers at the venues. The public are not required to wear protective equipment such as ear plugs. This is due to the irregular pattern of people watching live performances and the reduced risk they take in listening to live music, as any hearing differences the experience are short term.
Tags: acoustic foam, acoustic insulation, concerts, Music
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