The contribution of leisure noise to overall noise exposure

Maximum acceptable noise exposure levels are well established for the workplace. For example, Australian occupational health and safety regulations mandate a maximum acceptable daily workplace noise exposure level (LAeq, 8h) of 85 dB (INCE: 1997). However, a person's day extends beyond the 8 hours spent at work, and thus noise exposure during non-working hours (leisure time) also contributes to a person's overall noise exposure. To investigate the levels of noise experienced during leisure activities, a long term study (Study 1) is under way. Measurements are being undertaken in 7 main categories: attendance at entertainment venues, attendance at sports venues, active recreation and sport, arts and cultural activities, travel, domestic activities, and other activities. In conjunction with these measurements of individual activities, a second study is also under way to measure individuals' noise exposure levels over an extended period. Participants wear personal noise dosimeters which measure their personal noise exposure levels over a 4- or 5-day period, including work days and weekend (leisure) days. Data collected thus far reveals that, while many leisure activities are below the acceptable noise levels and are thus 'safe', there are other leisure activities which, if engaged in regularly over a long period of time, have the potential to shift a person's noise exposure beyond acceptable limits and thus increase the risk of acquiring a hearing loss at a relatively early age.