by Letter to the editor
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
September 22, 2015
On Sunday, September 20, Buffalo Bills fans attempted to set a new world record for the loudest crowd at a sports stadium. Seventy thousand screaming fans at “The Ralph” attempted to break the record held by the Kansas City Chiefs, whose fans created 142.2 decibels of found–which is equivalent to a jet engine at takeoff. Apparently, Bills fans failed in this effort, as the Guinness Book of World Records did not reveal the results of the decibel reading.
This was a ridiculous effort by Bills fans and management. Many Americans have little idea of the physical damage from exposure to excessive noise. For most people, exposure to noise above 125 decibels causes physical pain. Exposure to noise above 140 decibels causes permanent hearing loss. The Buffalo Bills and the NFL should not be encouraging fans to break noise records. The NFL is contributing to a dangerous trend: the idolatry of loudness.
Ted Rueter
Director, Noise Free America: A Coalition to Promote Quiet