And Earplugs For All

If one Minneapolis City Councilman has his way, every music-oriented business in town would give out free earplugs to club patrons to counteract what he, and three local companies, considers a public health issue – hearing loss. 

Jacob Frey’s proposed ordinance would affect about 185 businesses that offer amplified music.

Companies Locally Grown, Globally Known, 3M and the Miracle-Ear Foundation are said to be partnering to coordinate and fund the mission.

The plan would be to supply the earplugs for free.

The Miracle-Ear Foundation reports the average noise level at a concert is 115 decibels.

Hearing damage can occur after 15 minutes of exposure to 100 decibels. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for April 1.