While awaiting the Pacific Northwest’s “Big Quake”, the “Beast Quake” has instead become much more relevant for Seattle citizens. Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch was responsible for the seismic activity that occurred after a successful 67-yard touchdown run in the 2011 NFC Wild Card Round against the Saints, where he shook off 9 separate tackle attempts. Astounded by his ability to gain yardage after opponents attempt to bring him down, presence of seismic activity is a common statistic to share along with passing and rushing yards.
Alongside these Beast Quakes, the football fans at the Clink (Century Link Field) have both an energy and acoustical advantage that together result in record-breaking volumes within the stadium itself. Given the football frenzy, the fan-base as a whole has become infatuated with the idea of providing the loudest cheers, but at what cost?
With recorded levels of 137.6 decibels at the Clink, the sound is as intense to the auditory system as a jet plane flying 100 feet overhead. Thinking in terms of hearing health, it is possible to damage hearing within just one game especially when hearing protection is cast aside. Foam earplugs, commonly used as they are both affordable and disposable, provide approximately 30 decibels of noise reduction. Adding this all up leads to an important conclusion: Even if you wear earplugs at a football game, you can still damage your hearing.
Both the decibel level and the amount of time that a football fan is surrounded by intense cheering contribute to potential hearing damage. If the game was consistently at the record-breaking volume, it would be pushing against the highest level of recommended noise that a person should be exposed to–WITH hearing protection. It is extremely unfortunate that the fans are not receiving proper education along with this social media push, placing their hearing in potentially permanent danger.
Along with hearing loss, noise exposure can result in tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears can be temporary or permanent, fluctuating or constant–regardless, this impacts quality of life. Just like there is no cure for hearing loss, there is no cure for tinnitus. Both of these conditions require intervention to improve the symptoms, but there is no medical intervention that restores the original state of the ear and related hearing function.
Knowing this, should you watch Super Bowl XLIX in silence this weekend? Absolutely not, please cheer to your heart’s content! Simply know that earplugs are a must in a massive crowd (especially when their goal is to break the world record). For bonus (decibel) points, take a step away from the game to go somewhere quiet every so often–grab a beverage, a snack, or simply meet someone new who shares your passion for the Seahawks! Who knows? You might even have a good time protecting your hearing!
This weekend, be sure you say, “Go Hawks!” at any volume.
