Action movies are known for their thrill and immersive experience, especially when seen in a theater. However, moviegoers likely rarely consider how the sounds accompanying the scenes could impact their hearing.
Continued exposure to loud noises is known to cause hearing loss. In fact, exposure to sounds louder than 70 decibels (dB) could cause damage if exposure lasts for an extended amount of time. The higher the decibels, the less amount of time it takes to cause damage.
If sound reaches as high as 105 dB, some hearing damage is possible in less than five minutes. While not all action movie scenes fall into the danger level, some extended scenes might. To compare sounds at sporting events, concert venues or music at a club may reach 105 dB. After learning this, you may wonder how this damage to your hearing occurs and what you can do to protect your hearing moving forward.
About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can occur at any age, but the most common form occurs as we age. For those younger, it occurs due to noise exposure. The inner ear has hair-like cells that transport sound vibrations to the brain. Loud vibrations can damage these hair cells, resulting in hearing loss. Once damaged, they cannot be repaired, resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Hearing loss can range from mild, which may make it difficult to follow consonant sounds, or conversations in noisy environments, to severe, which requires strong hearing aids or a cochlear implant to supplement hearing.
Preventative Measures
A few steps should be taken to preserve hearing; some of these can even be applied in the movie theater so you can still enjoy action flicks:
- Take breaks from exposure to loud noises. Monitor headphone or earbud levels and heed volume warnings on your smart devices.
- Wear hearing protection, including at concerts, sporting events and the movie theater. Some earplugs can block certain decibels but still allow you to hear sound.
- Get regular hearing checks. Early detection of hearing loss allows you to take action to preserve your existing hearing.
- Consider hearing aids, if necessary. Hearing aids assist with helping you maintain social connections and help to reduce listening fatigue from straining to hear.
- At Rooftop Cinema Club, you may consider talking to the manager about volume. Movie theater volume is often controlled on-site. It’s possible the theater may listen to your request and reduce the volume.
- Consider seeing non action movies. Depending on the genre, some movies may have consistently quieter scenes, reducing the potential for noise exposure.
- If your local movie theater has visible speakers, take note and make an effort to sit further away from them.
Take Action
If your ears hurt or you experience a ringing sensation in your ears following a movie, you’ve likely experienced some hearing damage from the experience. It’s a good idea to rest your hearing and avoid loud noises if you notice this occurring after noise exposure.
It’s still possible to enjoy your favorite hobbies and protect your hearing with a little education and diligence. To learn more about hearing loss, or to schedule a hearing test for you and your loved one, contact San Diego ENT to schedule a consultation.