Comparison of the Recreational Noise Regulation in Russia, Europe, and Asia

Abstract

In October 2018 the new Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region were published by the World Health Organization (WHO), providing strong evidence that noise is one of the top environmental hazards to both physical and mental health and well-being in Europe. However, recreational noise has not yet been investigated in detail. After a preface about the more recent outcomes on recreational noise provided by EU Guidelines and projects, the current article presents the requirements for noise levels in recreational areas of various categories (parks, specially protected areas, reserves, etc.) in Russia, Europe and Asia. Moreover, it describes the main existing legal and regulatory acts in the countries, the history of their development and restrictions on their use. Furthermore, the article shows a comparative analysis with the allocation of advantages and disadvantages of each system. Finally, suggestions have been made to improve the system for regulating noise levels in recreational areas.

 

Risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to recreational sound: Review and recommendations

This review was conducted to address three questions related to recreational sound exposure: (1) what criteria are used to determine noise exposure limits, (2) are there differences in the risk of hearing loss from occupational noise versus recreational sound, and (3) what is an appropriate exposure limit for recreational sound? For the first question, most standards specify an 8-h occupational noise exposure limit (LEX) of 85 dBA. This limit assumes that some workers exposed at the limit will develop hearing loss. To eliminate the risk of hearing loss, a 24-h equivalent continuous level (LEQ24h) limit of 70 dBA is appropriate. For the second question, there is some evidence that the effects of occupational noise on hearing may be worse than energetically equivalent recreational sound. Limits developed for noise are nevertheless applicable to recreational sound, and use of existing statistical models to predict hearing loss from recreational sound is appropriate, with the caveat that these models are limited to durations ≤40 years. For the third question, a recreational sound limit of 80 dBA LEX, equivalent to a 75 dBA LEQ24h, will virtually eliminate the risk of recreationally induced hearing loss in adults. Lower limits may be warranted for vulnerable or susceptible individuals.

Full article: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1121/1.5132287

 

Noise exposure limit for children in recreational settings: Review of available evidence

It is universally recognized that prolonged exposure to high levels of non-impulsive noise will lead to noise-induced hearing loss. These high levels of noise have traditionally been found in an occupational setting, but exposure to high levels of noise is increasingly common in recreational settings. There is currently no established acceptable risk of hearing loss in children. This review assumed that the most appropriate exposure limit for recreational noise exposure in children would be developed to protect 99% of children from hearing loss exceeding 5 dB at the 4 kHz audiometric test frequency after 18 years of noise exposure. Using the ISO 1999:2013 model for predicting hearing loss, it was estimated that noise exposure equivalent to an 8-h average exposure (LEX) of 82 dBA would result in about 4.2 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. The 8-h LEX was reduced to 80 dB to include a 2 dB margin of safety. This 8-h LEX of 80 dBA is estimated to result in 2.1 dB or less of hearing loss in 99% of children after 18 years of exposure. This is equivalent to 75 dBA as a 24-h equivalent continuous average sound level.

Source: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/1.5132540

 

(skepticism intensifies)

This review assumed that the most appropriate hearing loss would allow 100% of children to develop minimally detectable hearing loss at 4k by the time they're 18?

They have a very different understanding of "most appropriate" than me. Or my kid, who now asks for hearing protection whenever anything loud is happening or is about to. Loud, in our house, meaning "over 75db or so".

 

How long does noise have to be over 75 dB to be damaging?