From staff reports:

When football fans converge on Sept. 15 for the Seattle Seahawks home-opener against the San Francisco 49ers, they can expect something more than a football game. They can expect so much noise that it could damage their hearing for life.

CenturyLink Field could become the loudest stadium in the world, with noise levels expected to exceed 130 decibels – a level that can cause permanent hearing loss. A fan group named Volume 12 has applied to the Guinness Book of World Records for CenturyLink to be certified as the world’s loudest stadium, with the goal of topping the current record of 131.76 decibels set at a 2011 soccer game in Turkey.

While the record-breaking attempt will enthrall some fans, it could present a health risk for others. Exposure to noises exceeding 100 decibels can harm hearing after as few as 15 minutes, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

That’s why hi HealthInnovations is giving away 10,000 ear plugs to people as they enter the stadium, helping football fans to enjoy the world-record attempt while maintaining their hearing health.

Dr. Lisa Tseng, CEO/audiologist of hi HealthInnovations, says people should limit exposure to loud noises, such as music, lawn mowers, or motorcycles, to no more than 20 minutes at a time. When attending concerts or sporting events, consider wearing hearing protection.