Time to listen: most regular patrons of music venues prefer lower volumes
Abstract
High sound levels are a feature of nightclubs and live music venues, and therefore pose
a risk to patrons’ hearing. As a result, these venues are often a focus area for hearing
health promotion, and particular emphasis is placed on motivating patrons to take steps
to reduce their noise exposure. In the current study, we approached this issue from a
different angle. We asked whether sound levels in music venues accurately reflect the
preferences of regular patrons, and examined their attitudes and preferences toward
sound levels and protective listening behaviors. The study examined results from 993
regular patrons of nightclubs and live music venues, collected as part of an Australian
online hearing health survey. Participants were asked about their participation at the two
target venues, experiences of hearing difficulties, and risk perceptions.