What effects the volume? Two variables affect intensity in a perfect system (in reality the medium will absorb some of the sound, but we will ignore that) Distance from the source of the sound; units are meters (m) Power of the original sound (P); units are watts (W)

Some Decibel Levels 130 dB 120 dB 110 dB 100 dB 80 dB 65 dB 20 dB 10 dB 1 dB  30 m from a Jet Airplane  Loudest Concert  Dance Club/Loud concert  Car without a muffler  Street Traffic  Normal conversation  Whispers  Rustling Leaves  Softest sound that could be heard

Dangers to hearing Anything above 120 dB (the threshold of pain) causes immediate and irreversible damage. How much damage depends on how far above 120 dB and how long you hear it for. A gun shot right by your ear can cause you to instantly go deaf. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can do the same damage.

Turning the music up… Every so often will have little long term effect on you, but it will have some. You naturally lose your hearing as you grow older (through both damage and old age) you just increase this rate. It is excessive long term exposure that can really do damage. Even if the exposure is a lower decibel rating (75 dB).

Who is in real danger? People in the band People who work around the band (bar tenders, bouncers etc.) A fan who is consistently there. Non-music related Really anyone who is in a noisy environment day in day out Don’t forget your earplugs if you are!!