Noise and excessively loud music.
Psychological analysis and preventive measures

August Schick

(Published in: Reports from the Institute for Research into Human-Environment Relations, University of Oldenburg, Issue 38 (2001), 12 pages)

Abstract

This article interprets the phenomenon of excessively loud music and noise from various perspectives and worldviews.

Rock, pop, techno and rave music have now become an integral part of youth culture. For young people, this music plays a central role in the creation, staging and exploration of their lived worlds – far more so than, for example, literature or the arts. Literary texts can often only be conveyed through the medium of music.

It is particularly during adolescence that young people seem to discover this music, which is now almost an integral part of everyday life for the average young person. The reasons behind young people’s enjoyment of loud music are linked to their attitude to life; if one wishes to take a preventative approach, one must therefore consider more than simply providing information about hearing damage. One cannot snatch the Walkman from a young person’s head, nor can one bar them from nightclubs.

This lecture can be requested free of charge from the Institute for Research into Human-Environment Relations, University of Oldenburg, PO Box 5634, 26046 Oldenburg,

email: , fax: 0441 - 798-5522, tel. 798-5523.