Background/Purpose Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) develops slowly over a long period of time as the result of exposure to continuous or intermittent loud noises. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), noise-induced hearing loss occurs above the 85dB level. The purpose of this study was to determine if the buzzers on gymnasium scoreboards emit sound pressure that exceeds the NIDCD recommendation of >85dB.
Method Decibel readings from scoreboards in 26 Texas high school gyms were tested using a sound level meter. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the decibel level in each gym. To determine significance, the researcher administered a one-sample t-test at a probability level of .05 by comparing the overall gym mean with the NIDCD recommendation of >85dB.
Analysis/Results The average mean for the 26 gymnasium scoreboards was 96.46dB. A one-way ANOVA with Repeated Measures was administered to seven sites in each gym. There were no significant differences [F (7,175) = 1.754, P >= .100] between the performance variables of multiple site measurements and the average for each gym. A one-tailed test found that the decibel levels of the gymnasium scoreboard buzzers were significantly higher than the NIDCD recommendation of >85dB [t (25) = 20.84, P < .05].
Conclusions The buzzer on gymnasium scoreboards, that sound repeatedly throughout games and practices, produce decibel levels that are hazardous to coaches' and players' hearing. Based on the research findings, this athletic environment has the potential to cause NIHL in those who are repeatedly exposed to this form of noise pollution.
See more of: Research Consortium