Akustiskt åtgärdsprojekt av en rockmusikklubb där live-musik spelas. Vad kan en audionom bidra med?

Abstract

Introduction: The number of hearing impairments in Sweden is increasing. The largest increase is seen in ages 25-44. There are reasons to believe that these impairments are noise induced. Leisure time noise is not controlled in the same manner that industrial noise is. An ongoing conflict between city council officials and rock club owners, musicians and music event organizers about sound levels at smaller live music clubs exceeding the national sound level restrictions created the need for an acoustic intervention project. The purpose of that project was to lower the sound levels without compromising the artistic freedom of the musicians.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the technical and acoustical procedures as well as the results of a complete acoustic intervention in one small club, where live music was played. The author’s participation in the acoustic project will also be described. Research and data collection methods: This was an applied, intervention study implemented in an explorative way. Results: An acoustic renovation of a small live music venue was accomplished, with new wall and ceiling material installed. The sound system was replaced and the stage was enlarged. Sound pressure level measurements during concerts before and after the intervention showed a sound level reduction of 9 dB. Discussion: This intervention project showed that it is possible to decrease sound levels during concerts, the direct sound from stage and the sound level variation in a typical small live music venue. However, there are probably several music clubs where this is not possible. Many live music clubs have such poor basic conditions that no amplified music should be allowed to be presented at all. There is a great need for prophylaxis and prevention, and research in the areas of hearing and sound, and that is a job well suitable for audiologists in the future.