It has been reported that the sound levels at the Vue Cinema at Westwood Cross could be damaging people’s hearing according to a local hearing expert. Tests that where done by Hearbase Ltd which are a hearing aid supplier found that a screening of effects-laden blockbuster 10,000BC at the Vue Cinema
at Westwood Cross registered a whopping 117.8 decibels at a peak average. It’s said that the sound level is louder than a rock concert, which has a peak average of 115 decibels.

Hearbase has an audiology clinic at the QEQM Hospital in Margate. Director Mark Scrutchings said that the levels were dangerously loud and could damage hearing he said that these results are scary and are proof that some cinemas are showing films at dangerous volumes.” He said that “We are urging cinemas to inform customers about the risks and offer the choice of a quieter performance. Showings for children should also be quieter as there is concern about the risks of hearing damage and young people. Even a small decrease in volume would significantly reduce the risk. We are not trying to be killjoys and want people to enjoy entertainment. But cinemagoers should be better informed about the risks of listening to very high noise levels. In industry, employers have to make their staff wear hearing protection if work involves noise at more than 85dB.”

A Vue spokesman said that “Film-makers request the sound level at which they would prefer their film to be played. However, before any film is played to an audience, our projection team rehearse the film and check the sound levels. At this point, if they are thought to be too loud, the levels will be adjusted. The projectionist can also reduce the volume during the film as peaks and troughs in volume can vary tremendously. If a customer feels the volume is too high they should inform staff and the sound will be turned down.”

I agree that kids films should be a bit quieter but What do you think is the Cinema sound too loud?

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