Health Council: ‘Sound control must be off at concerts and festivals’

Frequent or prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as attending concerts or using personal music players, can cause hearing impairment such as tinnitus. Hearing damage is irreversible and incurable and has a major impact on people’s quality of life. In the covenant to prevent hearing damage due to amplified music, the government has taken measures to prevent hearing damage due to exposure at home. The current (third) federal government will end in 2023. The State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport has asked the Health Council for advice on succession policy.

According to the Health Council, the science about the origin and prevention of hearing damage shows that any action that helps reduce cumulative exposure to loud amplified music reduces the risk of hearing damage. The council therefore recommends lowering the maximum noise level from 103 dB(A) to 100 dB(A) in order to align with neighboring countries and the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), which also takes into account the importance of musical experience. Promoting the use of hearing protection is also a priority according to the Health Council. Hearing protection at 100 dB(A) is recommended by WHO, especially for frequent exposure. The Council also recommends continuing the other actions of the Convention, such as monitoring noise levels and providing information.