To the Editor:
What a practical and incidental appeal Mr. Diamataris makes to our musicians to lower the volume in ‘Dancing for Yiayia and Pappou’ in the NH December 22 issue that I share and want to echo. I, too, either under obligation or voluntarily, attend many functions and the music is just too loud. You cannot hear the person who is right next to you talking to you. It renders conversations inaudible, the social connections inauthentic, and the event a vexing experience. And it’s not because we’re old! The volume is just disturbingly and unhealthily too high for anyone.
This brings to memory a college science class I took which covered the harmful effects of loud sounds. I don’t recall the specifics but do remember its teaching that high sounds, measured in decibels and exceeding certain thresholds, have varying (neurological and physiological) detrimental effects upon one’s health. You’re right, Mr. Diamataris, very loud music is not healthy.
There are events I too avoid – as Mr. Diamataris says, they keep us away because of the too loud music, but then there are venues, like certain Greek restaurants and churches, I frequent to pleasantly take in Greek music and even indulge in “dancing for yiayia and pappou” with family and friends.
Michael Manoussos, Esq.
Kew Gardens, NY
