decibels during practice


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Posted by Sean Chisham on February 25, 2002 at 20:48:33:

The commander here decided that he wanted to start a manditory hearing conservation program. Once per year we will have to have our hearing tested to see if there is a unit wide pattern of hearing loss related to our jobs. I went in for my test and there was some slight loss already. I am still within the limits of "normal" hearing. No problems.

I ask the guy administering the test a question. "How long can I be exposed to 95db's/day?" I ask this because that is the typical level I practice at. I have used my trusty Radio Shack db meter several times to measure and that is where a mf-f is when I play.

He said that he was not the doctor, so he would ask and get back to me.

Today I have a message on my voice mail with the answer. 8 minutes! That is the maximum time recommended per day before hearing loss is expected. He also told me that I must wear ear plugs for any exposures greater than 60db's.

So, according to the Army experts I should be wearing earplugs while I practice and limit my total playing to 8 minutes/day to protect my hearing!

sean



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