asked the Minister for Health in the light of the recently published medical findings on damage to the hearing of persons who frequently attend discotheques and other places of noisy entertainment if he will advise operators of, and attendants at, such places of the risk of danger to their hearing faculties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Noise Damage to Hearing.
10.
The risk of damage to hearing created by excessive levels of noise has long been recognised. The danger to hearing is influenced by the level and duration of excessive sound.
I am advised that the public attending such functions are not at significant risk of hearing impairment as they are not constantly exposed to excessive sound. However, the risk may be greater to others such as the operators of amplification equipment who are constantly exposed to it.
I have brought the Deputy's concern to the attention of the Health Education Bureau and the Minister for Labour who has functions relating to protection of workers in their place of employment.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister agree that we are becoming a very noisy country?
I am concerned about the levels of noise.