Grad Students’ Survey Measures Arcade Noise Levels

Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571

ORONO –An informal survey of noise levels in four area video arcades found decibel peaks capable of causing temporary hearing loss in people exposed to them for as little as 30 seconds.

The concern is that extended or frequent exposure to such high decibels can compound damage to the inner ear, causing permanent noise-induced hearing loss.

The survey was conducted by University of Maine graduate students the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for their Audiologic Rehabilitation course, taught by audiologist Amy Booth. Their “dangerous decibel” project is designed to educate the public about noise-induced hearing loss.

Arcades were chosen because of their high volume and young customers. The UMaine graduate researchers surveyed 95 local children ages 11-15 and found that 77 percent of them go to arcades an average of one hour a week.

“Noise-induced hearing loss in arcades is an unseen danger that people don