I took a class in acoustics many years ago, and about half of it was SPL and
hearing. Hearing loss is natural, but can be sped along by sustained loud
noises. OSHA will require noise controls in workplace environments where
someone is exposed to 8 hours or more a day of 92dB "A" weighted SPL. I
think European limits are 85dB "A" weighted -- both correspond to a certain
amount of hearing loss that will occur on average if continuously exposed
for a number of years.

At SPLs above 85dB the amount of hearing loss you can expect to endure above
the average level of hearing loss that will occur naturally is something
like 25% or so, IIRC. Hrm. Wish I kept better notes and had less memory
loss!

Either way, if you tend to have your reference level above 80-85dB *be
careful* since you are risking diminished ability to enjoy sound later.
Imagine what it would be like to not know the difference between a low
consumer grade speaker setup and a top of the line speaker!

On 11/25/03 7:52 PM, in article 1PSwb.308636$Fm2.325882@attbi_s04, "Chris
Scebelo" wrote:

You are raising a truly excellent question which is very important. I
often refer to an old analog RS sound level meter to monitor listening
levels. I too have found higher listening levels best for details but
beware. A favorite piece of mine is the Bach Chaconne, a Violin solo, in
which all the details can only be heard loud. A 100 db violin is amazing.
A B&K monoblock Sonata drives 4 pairs of stacked speakers, 16 mid range
woofers and 8 tweeters, and a separate driven sub woofer. The volume can
get dangerous. Now the serious stuff, 90 db is an absolute max. To play it
safe I suggest you only max out at 85 db. No louder. You will damage your
hearing. If in doubt go to an independent audiologist and get a hearing
test. As you age or you impair your hearing you can expect your
sensitivity to treble to drop dramatically.

"Ban" wrote in message
news:AEMwb.304993$Fm2.323014@attbi_s04...
I'm a little perplexed as to what levels we are adjusting the volume. I
myself found that I very consistently adjust the level to 86-88dBA(fast)
average with a few peaks up to 100dB (at listening position). My wife
thinks
that's too high. :-(
I need this level not to miss too many details, but without causing an
unpleasant feeling of "too loud" in the fortissimo passages.
When friends are coming and can freely adjust the volume pot, I see that
those experienced choose similar(mostly slightly higher) levels, whereas
people without High-end knowledge tend to lower volumes.

--
ciao Ban
Bordighera, Italy
http://www.bansuri.my-page.ms/
electronic hardware designer