I came across this article on ny.eater.com which is about a new study involving restaurant goers who are being exposed to potentially dangerous sound levels in the local NY establishments. The finding states that one third of the 37 restaurants, bars, retailers, and gyms produced borderline dangerous sounds. The recorded sounds exceeded the legal limit workers are allowed to hear with unprotected ears. Employers are to provid ear protection if the workplace produces sounds of 85 decibels. Most restaurants were found to have noise levels reaching over 90 decibels.
A worthy 5 minute read:
Volume Reaches Dangerous Levels at NYC Restaurants