sound levels in cinemas

Updated: July 25, 2008

The issue of sound levels in cinemas, and in particular the safe levels for audiences, arises periodically as a matter of concern.

No cinema operator would wish to cause discomfort to audience members. Cinema technicians regularly test sound levels and set them within a comfortable range. Notwithstanding this, cinemas also operate within the established guidelines for noise exposure for employees as set out in the Health and Safety (The Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2005.  

The Regulations cover sound levels for an equivalent eight hour working day. The volume levels experienced in cinemas are typically significantly below those detailed in the legislation. (This is perhaps not surprising given that employees spend a small percentage of their working hours actually within the auditorium.)

With regard to audience exposure to noise, there is no similar statutory standard, but cinemas tend to use the criteria specified in the 2005 Regulations as an authoritative guide. In practice, the actual levels in theatres are generally set below the upper recommended limit.

Any member of the audience who is experiencing discomfort about the noise levels within a cinema theatre should let a member of staff know.