At 10:45 AM 10/28/2005 -0700, you wrote: >I was surprised to learn that anyone believes that normal tuning would >generate decibels anywhere close to ear-damaging levels. My understanding >is that the "average" person can safely tolerate eight hours of continous >85 db. I'd guess the decibels normally generated by a piano tuning would >be around 45 - 65 db, unless one is tuning the piano Jerry Lewis style :). > >I'm wondering what your basis would be for believing that tuning >represents a threat to hearing (or does it simply seem more comfortable to >you to wear earplug/filters?). Is it personal experience, or are you >aware of scientific studies that confirm this possibility (I'm not aware >of any, but that doesn't mean they don't exist)? > >Best, > >JO You is WAY low, Jeff. I think normal conversation is in that range. Years ago (might be in archives) I posted my findings after carrying a dB meter along with me for a day. As I recall, even students practicing were in the 90s. I was regularly getting in the upper 90s whilst tuning. Inside of the organ case, depending on rank of course, I was/am subjected to 90 - 100+dB. Chainsaw was 105dB... Massed high school band festival, 108dB. Threshold of pain 120dB. OSHA wants you to start limiting your exposure at 90dB. BTW, I took my readings on the "A" scale - fast response. Conrad Hoffsommer - Keyboard Technician Luther College, 700 College Dr., Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045 1-(563)-387-1204 // Fax 1-(563)-387-1076 - Right now, I'm hoping to live until my age matches my golf score, - Until then, I'll have to be content to have my IQ match my handicap.
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