Mitigation of Noise Induced Hearing Loss at Music Venues

The purpose of this position statement is to recommend sound mitigation strategies and standards for music performance venues. Excessive sound volume poses risks of damage to the cochlea¹. Federal agencies have developed standards for occupational noise exposure^2,3. However, while there are World Health Organization recommendations regarding recreational noise⁴, no national standards in the U.S. exist for music venues, where sound volume commonly exceeds 100 dB⁵.

The following recommendations are based on the World Health Organization and in consultation with the Hearing Committee at the AAO-HNS and a member of the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors. This implementation of the recommendations outlined in this position statement will help reduce the likelihood of noise induced hearing loss for performers, workers, and audience members of music venues in the United States.

1. Keep the sound level below 100 decibels (15 min. average – L_Aeq15min [A-weighted]).⁴
2. Peak sound levels [including pyrotechnics] at venues or events should be limited to 120 dB LA_max,fast. for children and 140dB LA_max,fast for adults. ⁶
3. At venues or events targeted specifically at children, peak sound levels should be limited to not exceed 120 dB L_Cpeak with 15 min average of 94 dB L_{Aeq, 15min}. ^4,6
4. Live monitoring of sound levels by a designated individual using calibrated equipment to assure compliance with #1 through #4. Larger venues should have multiple locations for monitoring to represent different areas of audience. A warning notice (e.g., a light) should signify that one of the items above (#1 through #4) has been exceeded to notify sound engineers and audience. ⁴
5. Personal hearing protection should be available and offered to audience members and staff at the venue/event. Staff and performers would have at least two options for hearing protection available. ^{4, 7, 8}
6. A designated quiet zone or zones at or below 70 dB (15 min. average – L_Aeq15min [A-weighted] to allow audience members or staff to rest their ears from high sound levels. ⁴
7. Appropriate training and information about safe listening is provided to audience and staff. Information on hearing protection and proper use should be available on tickets and on screens at the venue. ⁴
8. Venues should be designed with appropriate systems to prevent undue noise exposure to audience members.⁴

a. Sound absorption or sound diffusion techniques should be used to control reverberation.

b. Reverberation should be controlled with both low-frequency and mid-high frequency absorbers.

c. Speakers should be ideally placed above head height when possible (if not possible, no audience members should be within 1 meter of the front of the speaker).

Originally Published: February 2026

References

1. Pienkowski M. Loud music and leisure noise is a common cause of chronic hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18: 4236.
2. Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise: Revised Criteria. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Washington, DC, USA, 1998 (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/98-126/default.html, accessed July 22, 2025).
3. Occupational noise exposure. Standard number 1910.95. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Washington, DC, USA, 2008. (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.95 accessed July 22, 2025).
4. WHO global standard for safe listening venues and events. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240043114, accessed July 22, 2025).
5. Tittman SM, Yawn RJ, Manzoor N, Dedmon MM, Haynes DS, Rivas A. No Shortage of Decibels in Music City: Evaluation of Noise Exposure in Urban Music Venues. Laryngoscope. 2021 Jan;131(1):25-27.
6. Berglund B, Lindvall T, Schwela D, Goh KT. Guidelines for community noise. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2000 (https://apps.who. int/iris/handle/10665/66217, accessed July 22, 2025).
7. Ramakers GG, Kraaijenga VJ, Cattani G, van Zanten GA, Grolman W. Effectiveness of earplugs in preventing recreational noise–induced hearing loss: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016; 142: 551–558.
8. Cha J, Smukler SR, Chung Y, House R, Bogoch II. Increase in use of protective earplugs by Rock and Roll concert attendees when provided for free at concert venues. Int J Audiol. 2015;54(12):984-6.