Health experts have called for music to be turned down in exercise classes after a new study showed that a lower volume does not have any meaningful impact on the amount of exercise done.
In fact, lowering the volume in gym classes is a “simple step” people could take to protect their hearing, the British hearing loss charity RNID said.
It comes after a new study examined the exertion levels among people attending exercise classes with loud music and quieter music.
Researchers, led by experts from the University of Southern California in the United States, examined data on 189 people who attended weight-training exercise classes in Los Angeles.
The louder class had music pumping at 91.4 decibels while the quieter sessions were 88.5 decibels.
Researchers performed surveys on participants after each class to gauge the level of exertion.
They found that the level of effort put in by the class attendees in the quieter classes was “non inferior” to those in the louder class.
“Reducing music volume in group fitness classes did not lead to meaningful reductions in perceived exertion and may reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss,” the authors wrote in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology – Head And Neck Surgery.
“Exposure to loud sound levels is one of the leading causes of hearing loss and tinnitus, but the good news is it’s also one of the most preventable,” RNID audiology manager Franki Oliver said, commenting on the study.
“Lowering the music volume levels in fitness classes is a simple step to reduce this risk while still enjoying the experience; people should also make sure they are a safe distance from the speakers in the room.
“If you’re ever worried about your hearing after a loud exercise class, or after repeated exposure to loud noise levels, speak to your doctor,” he advised. – PA Media/dpa
