Sound Exposure and Loudness-to-Dialog Ratio

Studies on hearing health from the last 15 years have led to a new understanding of how temporary “ringing of the ears” and other short-term warnings to sound exposure should not be ignored. If there is a safe sound exposure level, it is lower than previously thought, and certainly lower than stipulated by US OSHA. Contemporary trials on sound exposure are summarized, and findings are compared to sound levels in movie theatres, personal music players and gaming; in particular where young ears risk being on the front line. Data is also compared to hazard-based recommendations and requirements by WHO, ITU-T and the European Commission. Calibrated listening levels used in the production of feature films and drama for OTT are reviewed, based on the same criteria. The newly standardized Loudness-to-Dialog-Ratio (LDR) metric is explained, and it is described how LDR could help keep sound exposure in movies for children at bay. It is suggested to include LDR as a QC metric in delivery specifications and in language dubbing aimed at young or sensitive listeners, before legislation otherwise could become reality in some countries and regions.

Published

2024-10-21

Content type

Original Research

Keywords

safe listening, hearing loss, tinnitus, sound exposure, osha, children's movies, dubbing of movies, loudness-to-dialog ratio, monitoring level, iso 226

DOI

10.5594/MOO/3013

ISBN

978-1-61482-965-2