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ABO publishes new guide on noise for orchestras

06 March 2008

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) today publishes a practical new guide for orchestras who, from 6 April, are required to implement the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Sound Ear II, by Alison Wright Reid and Malcolm Warne Holland, provides orchestra managers with advice on how to minimise hearing damage for musicians along with a unique step-by-step methodology - developed with consultants Arup Acoustics - for measuring the levels of noise to which musicians are exposed during rehearsals and performances.

The new guide builds on the success of the ABO's earlier publication A Sound Ear: Exploring the Issues of Noise Damage in Orchestras by Alison Wright Reid, which was published in 2001.  A Sound Ear II updates the scientific evidence for noise damage.  It also reports on orchestras' experience of the training offered by the ABO in 2004 and the impact it has had on their working practices, from establishing designated noise teams to offering audiometric testing for musicians.

Mark Pemberton, Director of the ABO, says "We are delighted that, through the generous support of the Musicians Benevolent Fund, we are able to develop and update our ground-breaking guidance on noise.  Clearly the new regulations pose a challenge for orchestras, but no one, as proved by this publication, can deny the dangers of noise exposure to musicians.  Our aim is to give the orchestral sector the tools to implement the regulations as well as is reasonably practicable, ensuring that the breadth of repertoire demanded by players and audiences alike survives and thrives."

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