Watching Live Sporting Events as a Recreational Activity and Noise Exposure in Spectators

[Abstract] Exposure to loud noise levels could cause hearing loss and tinnitus, particularly in susceptible people. As Japan is preparing to host the Olympic 2020, many spectators at different age ranges would like to watch indoor and outdoor live sporting events where they might expose themselves to a very loud noise. This study was undertaken to address possible hearing disorders in some recreational and leisure time activities, particularly in people watching live indoor sporting events. According to the guidelines published in 1999 by the World Health Organization (WHO), experts concluded that a 24-hour equivalent sound level of ≤ 70 dB would avoid hearing impairment in 95% of persons, even over a lifetime of exposure. Young people like to spend their leisure and relaxation time in activities that expose them to high levels of music or noise for instance at sports arenas which could put them at the risk of some sort of damages to their hearing. It was suggested that legislation and education together with advising on reducing the time of the noise exposure could be beneficial in hearing conservation of spectators. Furthermore, allowing silence breaks to one’s ears, and using personal hearing protection are recommended