Top five loudest sports
Sport, we all love it. The emotion that comes with watching your team, or your favourite sportsperson operating at their highest level, it’s exhilarating. And the noisy, passionate crowd makes the atmosphere electric.
While attending live sports is adrenaline inducing fun, what you might not be aware of is that the noise generated at some of the most popular events could be damaging your hearing.
The five sports listed below are among the loudest live sport events, and without hearing protection, could leave lasting damage to your hearing.
Motorsport
Most motorsport fans are the first to admit that the noise plays a huge part in the live experience.
The maximum recommended noise level for safe hearing is around 85dB, and we’re well within our limits during day-to-day life. The sound of a breath is about 10dB, while the average washing machine operates at 70dB.
However, the average noise level that a Formula car produces is a staggering 130dBs, that’s nearly double the safe noise limit. So, attending motorsports can be dangerous if you don’t wear the correct hearing protection, and exposing yourself to loud noises can quickly develop hearing issues such as Tinnitus, (a constant ringing in your ear) or hypersensitivity and pain, or even permanent loss of hearing.
It’s not just Formula 1 that generates staggering levels of noise, though. Most motorsport including motorcycle racing, such as MotoGP, World Superbikes and British Superbikes, also create damaging level of noise trackside.
So, always make sure you pack a pair of earplugs the next time you’re at your favourite circuit!
Football
As we all know, football is one of the most passionate games followed by millions around the country, and the globe. The fans want to make themselves heard and those on the terraces are often referred to as the “12th player”, because of the energy and atmosphere the chanting can provide the players on the pitch.
The Nef Stadium, the home of Turkish giants Galatasaray, held the record for the loudest crowd roar in a sports stadium when fans hit an incredible 131dBs – loud enough to cause damage to your hearing.
Football grounds across the world, including the UK, often reach levels above the damaging level, so it’s something to consider the next time you’re cheering on your team from the stands.
The Olympics
The 2012 British Olympic Games saw noise levels close to the 140dB mark, which was confirmed by Olympic officials and was recorded during Victoria Pendleton's golden performance at the Olympic velodrome. The atmosphere created was palpable even for those watching on TV!
The Dangerous Decibels Project, a public health campaign whose goal is to reduce the hearing loss caused by excessive noise based in America, says 140dB is equal to the sound of fireworks and the sound of a gunshot at close range.
Events at the beach volleyball arena in central London and the main Olympic arena also hit sound levels of over 100dB!
Rugby
Back in 2015, Wales’ home ground, the Millennium Stadium, was deemed the loudest stadium of the Six Nations – the annual international men's rugby union competition between the teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
Like Football, the fans want to get behind their team, but in a noise test carried out by the BBC, the Cardiff ground's average decibel level of 92.0dB was recorded as Wales lost to England.
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin also hit an average of 89.9dB to come second with Twickenham, Murrayfield, Rome and Paris close behind. In fact, during the test, the noise generated from the Millennium and Aviva stadiums were as loud as a pneumatic drill!
Grand National
The Grand National is the UK’s most famous horse race which has seen sell-out crowds year after year. And with the sell-out crowds comes loud noise.
Back in 2011, a decibel reading of 74dB was recorded, which is close to the recommended maximum decibel limit. So, if you’re attending this year’s event, you may want to pack some earplugs along with your outfit!
There is a whole host of activities that can provide dangerous noise levels, even attending a spin class at your local gym can see you exposed to noise levels of over 90dB! So, whatever you’re doing this year – keep your hearing safe.
Auritech ear plugs will limit the damaging frequencies but still allow you to hear conversation and the surrounding sounds. So you'll still be part of the event whilst protecting your hearing.
Check out the Auritech hearing protection range: https://www.auritech.co.uk