Distraction Therapy Podcast 045 – Comfortable dB Levels

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the age of constant connectivity and relentless noise, we find ourselves increasingly surrounded by environments where sound is not just a background element but a dominating force. From concerts to public gatherings, the decibel levels are often amplified to such extremes that they preclude meaningful conversations and hinder authentic interpersonal engagement. This raises a crucial question: Are we sacrificing our ability to connect with one another in pursuit of louder, more immersive experiences?

The concept of Comfortable dB Levels offers a counter-narrative to this trend, advocating for a more measured and mindful approach to sound in public spaces. At its core, this idea is about ensuring that public events are conducted in a manner that respects the hearing health of participants, fostering environments where people can engage in conversation, contemplation, and creative interaction without the need to shout over a wall of noise.

The Problem with Excessive Amplification

Modern public events often operate at decibel levels that can exceed 100 dB, sometimes reaching peaks that are not only uncomfortable but potentially harmful. Prolonged exposure to such high sound levels can lead to hearing damage, yet this concern is frequently overlooked in the pursuit of creating an “immersive” experience. The irony here is stark: in trying to amplify engagement through sound, we are inadvertently silencing the very interactions that make these experiences meaningful.

Excessive amplification does more than just pose a risk to our physical health; it also diminishes the quality of our social interactions. When sound becomes overpowering, it drowns out the nuances of conversation, forcing us into a mode of communication that is hurried and superficial. The richness of interpersonal engagement, which thrives on subtlety, tone, and the shared space of quiet reflection, is lost in the din.

The Case for Comfortable dB Levels

Adopting Comfortable dB Levels in public events is not about stripping away the energy or excitement that sound can bring, but rather about creating spaces where sound is in harmony with human interaction. Civilised public events should prioritise safety, ensuring that participants can enjoy the experience without risking harm to their hearing. This approach aligns with a broader metamodern perspective, which values balance, authenticity, and the integration of diverse experiences.

In practical terms, this means designing events where the sound is calibrated to enhance, rather than overpower, the atmosphere. Music and speeches should be audible and clear, but not so loud that they inhibit conversation or cause discomfort. By creating spaces where people can talk, listen, and reflect without straining against noise, we open the door to deeper, more meaningful engagement.

Valuing Calming Contemplation

In a world that often equates volume with impact, there is profound value in creating environments that embrace calm and contemplation. These are spaces where people can slow down, breathe, and engage with one another in a manner that is both authentic and creative. Whether in a community gathering, a public lecture, or a concert, these moments of quiet connection can foster a sense of shared experience that is far more enduring than the fleeting thrill of loudness.

Metamodern interaction—the kind that thrives on balance and the blending of past and future, seriousness and play—calls for a shift in how we approach sound in our public spaces. By championing *Comfortable dB Levels*, we can reclaim our environments for the kind of civilised discourse that is essential for a healthy, engaged society.

Towards Soundscapes for Connection

The challenge before us is not to eliminate sound, but to use it wisely. By adopting *Comfortable dB Levels* as a standard for public events, we can create spaces that are not only safer but more conducive to the kinds of interactions that truly matter. In doing so, we take a step towards a future where public spaces are designed with the well-being and engagement of all participants in mind, where the noise of the world does not drown out the voices of those within it.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, let us remember the power of sound—not just as a tool for entertainment, but as a medium for connection. In the balance of noise and silence, we find the true rhythm of community. Let that be the soundtrack of our civilised public events.

Andrew Land – Coldstream
Anna Phoebe – Divergence (Manchester Edit)
Bryan Senti & Dom Bouffard – Circle
Ellen Reid – Big Majestic
Francesca Guccione – A Pile of Dust (feat. Laura Masotto)
Masayoshi Fujita – Tower of Cloud
Per Störby Jutbring – As You Left It (feat. Johanna Sjunnesson)
Marconi Union – Weightless, Pt. 2
Andrew Land – Troubles
Tetsu Inoue – Ambiant Otaku
Caribou – Filtered Grand Piano
Boards of Canada – Collapse
Tai Chi – Harmony
Loke Rahbek – Excerpt from Translator
Max Lilja – Six Shades of Bach, Suite 6, Eternity_ Prélude (After J.S. Bach’s BWV 1012)