World Hearing Day
So today is World Hearing Day, held to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world[1]. I would say a good way to start is creating and designing cardio classes (like spinning) that are healthy for the entire human body, including our hearing!
Music or amplified sound is present in our everyday life. As we listen, we're constantly anticipating the harmonies, melodies, and rhythms of songs and that influence our emotions and senses. Listening to our favourite song can make us happy, it can enhance the movie we are watching in the cinema or give us a boost while working out in a spinning class. Mostly it makes us feel good but it can also be dangerous. Our hearing is very sensitive. If you listen to loud music for too long it can lead to hearing damage.
Spinning classes: an exhausting hearing exercise
Every week I try to go to my health club to do some exercises. But this week, I decided to pump it up a little more and try something else: spinning, also known as indoor cycling. And, I have to say, it was an exhausting experience. But not only for my body also for my ears. I was shocked about how loud the music was and how much the instructor was doing her best to shout in the microphone of her headset to make sure everyone could follow.
I was measuring the noise levels with some Decibel Apps on my smartphone and came to an average of 92 decibels. A spinning class is available in almost every sports facility, fitness centre or gym.
- A session typically lasts 50-60 minutes and is led by an instructor who guides everyone accompanied by uplifting music.
- Spinning is a cardiovascular activity that helps reduce the risk of heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and, increase lung capacity[2][3].
- Health authorities recommend 150 minutes of cardio exercise per week to reduce health risks[4].
What is noise pollution?
Noise pollution can be harmful to humans and the environment. From traffic noise to rock concerts, loud and unwanted sounds can cause hearing loss, stress, and high blood pressure.