You have just returned from touring with a rock band. During the concerts you had to stand directly in front of the speakers. You notice difficulty hearing people in conversations. What has most likely happened?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Standing directly in front of speakers at concerts can expose you to sounds of 85 to 90 dB or higher for long periods of time, which can cause hearing damage. Symptoms of hearing damage include difficulty hearing people in conversations. Option B is incorrect because the sound levels mentioned (180 to 220 dB) are dangerously loud and can cause immediate permanent hearing loss. Option C is incorrect as it mentions exposure to sounds of only 50 dB which is not loud enough to cause hearing loss. Option D is possible, but less likely as a ruptured eardrum usually causes acute pain and bleeding from the ear, which is not mentioned in the given scenario.

You Have Just Returned from Touring with a Rock Band