DEAF & DUMBO
‘Cinema-goers at risk of hearing loss’
prolonged. There is no statutory standard for cinemas but the UK Cinema Association uses the criteria specified in the 2005 Regulations. Gemma Twitchen, senior audiologist at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “These decibel readings are extremely concerning. Any sound above 85db can cause permanent damage to hearing. “The fact that these readings go up to 107db means that audience members could be at serious risk.” But Phil Clapp, of the UK Cinema Association, said a level of 140db is allowable, according to the regulations. And a spokesman for Odeon said: “The sound levels in our cinemas across the country are in line with regulations.” rosaleen.fenton@reachplc.com Dumbo