Orchestras in European Union member countries need to begin protecting their musicians from sounds higher than 85 decibels, which is a reduction from the prior 90 decibels regulation. Depending on what instruments musicians have the (mis)fortune to sit in front of, they can experience sound in the 130 decibel range. The EU law allows for averaging of weekly exposure, and there is a transition period for adjusting to the regulation which began last year. Special earplugs, plexiglas screens, and alternate seating arrangements are among the possible solutions. Some European orchestras have formed “noise teams” to propose ideas. Repertoire changes are, of course, another way to reduce noise, but skipping the loudest pieces isn’t the ideal solution. Meanwhile, over on this side of the Atlantic, OSHA doesn’t deal much with the hazards of the musical workplace, but orchestras easily conform to the allowed 90 decibels over an 8 hour day, and a 97 decibel limit over 3 hours with their short bursts of peak blasts and limited rehearsal time. (source N.Y. Times)