Although diners are not at risk for hearing loss, the researchers said restaurant reviewers should advise the public about noise levels in restaurants.
Many factors can make a restaurant noisier.
Hard surfaces, high ceilings, open kitchens, and large crowds all can contribute to a cacophony that makes simple conversation a struggle. According to Robert Sweetow, PhD, director of the audiology clinic at UCSF, noise in restaurants is one of the most common complaints among diners, particularly those with sensitive ears and hearing problems. They recorded weighted maximum noise levels, and also calculated the average noise exposure a waiter or other worker might get over an 8-hour period. Continued exposure to noise at 85 dBA or higher eventually can cause hearing loss, according to standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The institute has also advised that, if a workplace exceeds that noise level, the employer should take steps to reduce noise or protect the workers' hearing.