There is a growing concern internationally about noise-induced hearing loss. In settings as diverse as the workplace, our homes, and recreation, we are all at risk of exposure to noise that may cause permanent hearing loss. This potential danger exists when we use power tools or farm equipment, ride a snowmobile, listen to our iPod or attend rock concerts. Many factors contribute to dangerous sound levels, including the intensity, frequency, duration and distance from the source. There are discrepancies in what is a harmful decibel level over what duration of time. The good news is that wearing earplugs minimizes or eliminates the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, as does taking breaks from loud noise.

Fortunately, efforts to bring awareness and education about this danger are being made by medical professionals, schools, government agencies, community activists and industry associations such as H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers). Performing arts venues have an important role to play. With dozens of fine musical performances at Orcas Center each year, we commonly get advice that the music was too loud or not loud enough, at times even for the same performance. Beyond the basic health issues involved, loud music involves issues of personal preference. Some folks don’t like loud music. Some do. As a community member recently said, “Some music sounds better loud. Take the Overture of 1812 – you can’t get much louder than cannons.”

The norm in the industry is for performers to be in control of their artistic product and set their own sound levels. Orcas Center, as a responsible presenter of music, including music that is amplified, continues to work with artists to arrive at an optimal sound level that is appropriate for our venue and provides the quality of music desired by both artist and audience member. For high volume concerts, we will provide a “loudness warning” to patrons so that those who do not tolerate loud music may choose not to attend. We will continue to make earplugs available for our audience members and promote use of earplugs among children, teens and adults, so that we will all gain awareness of hearing protection not only at Orcas Center, but at other music events and in our other recreational and vocational activities.

The Board and staff of Orcas Center are committed to serving a broad spectrum of our community with a wide array of cultural events and activities. We will strive to do so in a wholesome, healthy way that balances our constituency’s diverse tastes, interests and concerns. Sound good?

Barbara Courtney is Executive/Artistic Director at the Orcas Center.