6 Friday, October 17. 1986 / University Daily Kansan Noise level worries teacher By KIRK KAHLER Staff writer When James Barnes walks out of Murphy Hall's band rehearsal room, his ears ring for a week, he said. Barnes, assistant to the director of bands, said he was concerned about the possible hearing damage to students and instructors because of the noise level in the small rehearsal room. "It's like standing behind a jet engine," he said. About five years ago, he said, the noise level in the room was monitored. At times, the noise level registered at 150 decibels, Barnes said. He said prolonged exposure to 120 decibels resulted in hearing damage. Peter Bierli, a local ear, nose and throat specialist, agreed that the decibel level was harmful to hearing. Forty decibels and above on a sustained level is harmful to hearing, "he said. "One hundred fifty is significantly high sound exposure." exposure. Bieri said that prolonged exposure to 80 decibels or more would be painful. Barnes said he spent about three or four hours a day in the practice room. Barnes said he had used the room as a student and instructor for 19 years. Although he has never been fired, Barnes did thought it had been damaged. "But it'is not just the instructors' ears." he said. "Any music major at KU spends as much time in the room as instructors." "Where am I going to be when I'm 50?" he asked. "You don't get hearing back, and I can't afford to lose my ears. "I have more trouble hearing highs (sounds) than I used to." One problem with the room. Barnes said, is that the band faces a concrete wall when it rehearses. The music, which he said was loud to begin with, ricochets off the wall, increasing the intensity of exposure. Barnes said he thought the University of Kansas was unfair to require musicians and music instructors, who make a living with their hearing, to work under such conditions. The room is too small for the band, which has grown rapidly he said. It was built for a university of 12,000, with a 120-member band. The present marching band has 220 members. The room is no longer accessible he said. He estimated that the room was about 120 feet by 80 feet. room was abo- Greg Letting, an Olathe seni- who plays in the marching band and practices in the room, said his ears rang when he sat in front of the drum section. Congratulations to the New Panhellenic Exec! President - Sally Triebel Vice-President for Sorority Affairs - Lori Grace Vice-President for Membership - Shannon Parker Vice-President for Campus Affairs - Kim Campbell Secretary - Kathy Schmiedler 825 Mass. Downtown Lawrence Treasurer - Sangeeta Khicha Public Relations Co-ordinator - Courtney Cleary Have a super year! DIAL A SPECIAL CONGRATULATES KATHY CHANEY $500 WINNER Look for next month's contest beginning Nov.1 The Grinderman- Sundays Open 11-6 Free Delivery Free Drinks with Your Sandwiches Don't miss a play of the game! Call 843-7398 Permanent Hair Removal The Electrolysis Studio Free Consultations 15 East 7th 841-5796 ARENSBERG'S SHOES Midwest Business Systems, Inc. Office Products • Office Supplies Copy Service • Blue Print Service 816 Massachusetts 913/824-841 SERVE IN APPALACHIA Single Catholic Men Serving Others Single Catholic Men Serving Others Your practical help to the elderly, handicapped and poor in Appalachia can make a difference. Single Catholic men are invited to volunteer one week to learn more about the culture and people of the area. December 15-21,1986 December 27,1986-January 2,1987 DISCERNMENT WEEK Single Catholic Men Thinking of Ministry This very unique experience will provide you with the atmosphere to reflect and pray on your vocational calling. You will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself rural America and Glenmary's ministry. January 5.11, 1987 For more information, return this coupon as soon as possible to: Brother Jack Heen. GLEMARY HOME MISSIONERS, Box 465618, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-5618 Name Address City Telephone ( ) College Friday Lawrence's First Quarter Oyster Bar Just Rolled In At .25 Oysters 5-8 p.m Fresh on the Half Shell SNEAK PREVIEW OPENING FRIDAY! Live Rock'n'Roll Music from Kansas City "SPAIN" LAWRENCE Connection A NON-ALCOHOL PLACE TO BE! 9th & Mississippi A place where the good times never end!