May 31st is World No Tobacco Day. It’s been some years since smoking was officially banned inside Australia’s public places. Bar staff and waiters alike can breathe easy, without the consequences of passive smoke inhalation. But many may not sleep easy if they knew about the danger they still face as they go about their jobs. If you thought background noise was a problem when trying to hear what your friends are saying across the table, give mind to the constant clamour hospitality staff are exposed to, and the subsequent noise-induced hearing loss they’re at serious risk of acquiring.
The current trend for ‘industrial chic’ décor usually involves raw brick or stone walls, uncarpeted concrete floors, and un-upholstered chairs – all of which create the perfect environment for noise to bounce, unfiltered. This does not make for a setting conducive to conversation.
In an attempt to counter the ‘curse of the diner’ din, most of us raise our voices, which only serves to further perpetuate the problem.
Tests performed in some of London’s trendiest restaurants, pubs and wine bars showed that sound levels often exceed the recommended safety levels. It’s important to note that none of the venues tested played music. One restaurant reportedly peaked at 97 dB – that’s equivalent to a power tool or a small aircraft taking off.
Closer to home, it’s not hard to find website reviews of Melbourne’s eateries that go a lot like this: “The food was great, but it was too loud. We won’t be back”.
Worryingly, many restaurateurs have voiced a desire to have the acceptable noise limits raised. They cite ‘ambiance’ as a reason, and believe intensified noise conjures a tangible buzz of energy that is desirable to a hip, younger crowd.
It’s not a stretch to suggest that waiters and bar staff consider wearing hearing protectors – like earplugs – to work. But they shouldn’t have to.
Australian Work Safe regulations for ambient noise in the workplace rest at 85 decibels (dB). Once noise exceeds this, control measures should be implemented. The guidelines place special emphasis on controlling the noise source as a first port of call, rather than having employees mask it with hearing protection.
Noise induced hearing loss can be instigated by either one-time exposure to loud noise above recommended safety levels – this could be from shooting a gun without hearing protection, or by being immersed in moderately loud noise for an extended period of time. Either way, damage is irreparable and, ironically, tolerance for loud noise decreases with hearing loss.
Aside from hearing loss, unwanted noise can have a detrimental impact on animal and human health and wellbeing. It’s even been shown to reduce accomplishment by school students.
The secondary effects of smoking are well documented and publicised. The City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle is currently pushing for a blanket ban on smoking in outdoor areas.Surely if more of us knew about the imminent consequences of hearing loss – like mental health and cognitive decline, heart disease and even the early onset of dementia, we’d be lobbying the issue of toxic noise more concertedly.
So, what can you do (aside from avoiding eating out on a Saturday night)? There are many smartphone applications that allow you to measure ambient noise in decibels (http://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47805-The-best-phone-apps-to-measure-noise-levels). Make use of them the next time you find yourself straining to hear or raising your voice. If you find the noise unbearable, let the manager know why you’re leaving. You can warn others by leaving a quick review on a website such as urbanspoon.com. A helpful hint: venues with higher ceilings usually absorb noise more effectively than those with unpadded low-slung ceilings.
Acoustic sound engineers can provide restaurateurs and bar owners advice on best practice for noise absorption. Solutions don’t need to detract from the industrial decorating trend. Sometimes all it takes is widely spaced tables, curtains, fabric covered furniture, rugs, or leather padded walls.
There’s no excuse for toxic noise.
Do you think toxic noise is an issue worth lobbying? Leave your comment below.
I’m sure any reader would agree. A couple of nights ago I registered peak mid 90 dB at a venue, but more due to the patrons than the proprietors.
What I’m noticing are the number of people operating loud equipment without hearing protection. One pair had an angle grinder going full bore. ‘Deafening’ is the correct word. The OH&S officer where I work says that hearing protection is still not part of the workplace culture.
I have previously published an article on another risk group, motorcyclists. The noise under a helmet can be severe, and is often for prolonged periods. I wear moulded silicone plugs.
I often find that in more industrially styled venues people struggle to hear due to the acoustics of the venue and begin to shout at each other, which raises volume to the point it’s almost impossible to carry a conversation.
Rod, I’d love to read your article on motorcyclists. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle but have friends who do, and when I ask if they’ve considered hearing protection they tell me that the sound of the bike is half the appeal! I think this is a common attitude for people who love motor sports in general – I’ve certainly observed it at the F1.