Posted on 13 December, 2012
The "Nationale Hoorstichting" - a Dutch organization concerned with all aspects of hearing - and Club Judge announce the "Ear Safe" seal of approval for clubs and music events.
Requirements of the seal includes the use of the Munisense sound measurement system to keep the sound levels below agreed levels. The seal offers a package of concrete measures to prevent hearing damage for visitors of clubs and music events. Munisense together with partner dBcontrol take care of the necessary measurement infrastructure, the calibrations and sound mapping of the clubs.
A growing number of music fans develop permanent hearing damage. More than 80 percent of the public suffers from a "beep" after a night clubbing and the same percentage considers the music too loud at the music locations visited. To stop this development the "Nationale Hoorstichting" together with Club Judge, BLOEI, Munisense, dBcontrol and Alpine have started the "Ear Safety" project.
Clubs and events that participate in the seal take a set of concrete measures to reduce the risk of hearing damage. The seal limits the volume to an average of 103 dBA over 15 minutes. At the music location there will be a decibel meter that is clearly visible. At the entrance, there is information available about the sound levels and visitors can buy ear plugs. At least 20% of the personnel at the clubs has been trained on all aspects of sound. And finally at all locations, appointed "ear protectors" are available who watch over compliance of the ear-saftey seal and who are available to provide information to visitors.
Club AIR in Amsterdam is de first club in the Netherlands to acquire the "Ear Safe" seal of approval.