DVG publishes Sound Management guidelines
ORANJESTAD - The Department of Health (DVG) recently published sound management guidelines.
Our hearing is crucial for our general health and daily functioning. Many people do not realize its importance until they begin to notice hearing loss. Unfortunately, once we lose part of our hearing, it cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is important to protect it while we still have it, and if someone has already experienced some hearing loss, to take extra care of what remains.
Every year during the Carnival season, this topic becomes relevant again. The frequently asked question is: what is a responsible sound level that contributes to preserving the hearing of participants, as well as musicians, spectators, and those working during musical events?
In the interest of public health, the DVG published sound management guidelines on January 24, 2025, in the Landscourant van Aruba. These guidelines, developed with input from various stakeholders, provide advice on sound levels at musical events such as Carnival and indoor and outdoor concerts. The goal is for these guidelines to eventually form the foundation for compliance with the Noise nuisance ordinance (Hinderlijke geluidenverordening).
Indoor Venues:
For the Carnival season, the guideline recommends keeping sound levels in indoor venues at a maximum of 90 dB, measured from the stage to the farthest point where the audience can stand.
Outdoor Open-Air Venues:
For outdoor open-air events (such as jump-ins), the recommendation is to maintain sound levels at a maximum of 100 dB before midnight and 95 dB after midnight. It is measured at the boundary of the event location. The change in dB levels after midnight is related to the Hinderlijke geluidenverordening of 1998.
Carnival Parades:
For Carnival parades, the DVG recommends keeping the sound level at a maximum of 90 dB, measured at a distance of 10 meters from the speakers producing the sound.
In previous years, during sound measurements at Carnival parades, the DVG recorded levels as high as 115 dB near some musical bands. This level not only causes hearing damage but can also disrupt heart rhythm and cause stress and irritation.
This guideline aims to guide sound companies and their technicians in contributing to hearing health.
You may find more information in the:
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