Music venues and hearing loss: Opportunities for and barriers to improving environmental conditions

Abstract

This study explores the opportunities for and barriers to improving environmental conditions in order to reduce the risk for music-induced hearing loss in people who attend music venues. Individual semi-structured interviews were held with 20 representatives of music venues and of governmental organizations, according to a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and systematically coded using a content-analysis technique. Reported opportunities to reduce music volume included improving the acoustics and installing advanced speaker systems. The most important barrier reported was the lack of clear definitions of what levels of high-volume music are hazardous. Other barriers mentioned included economic considerations, and the beliefs that visitors demand high-volume music in music venues and are personally responsible for their own hearing. Before measures to improve environmental conditions are implemented, the exact dangers of exposure to high-volume music have to be established. Evidence-based guidelines and safety standards for leisure-time noise exposure should therefore be developed.