Apple Hearing Study finds Super Bowl Sunday increases noise levels across the U.S.

Apple and the University of Michigan have released new findings from the Apple Hearing Study, highlighting a nationwide increase in noise exposure during Super Bowl Sunday. Using data collected from over 115,000 Apple Watch users via the Noise app, researchers observed a 1.5 to 3 decibel rise in noise levels during the past four Super Bowl games compared to the following Sundays.

SuperBowl apple hearing study

 

The study found that noise levels started rising three hours before kickoff, peaked during the game, and remained elevated for about three hours after the final whistle. While a 3 dB increase may seem minor, it actually represents twice the sound energy, which can contribute to potential hearing risks. Interestingly, the noise spike was most pronounced in states where the game was played and in states with teams competing in the Super Bowl. This suggests that larger gatherings and enthusiastic celebrations contribute to the increased exposure.

Apple is using the study’s results to emphasize the importance of hearing protection, particularly during loud events. The Noise app on Apple Watch helps users monitor environmental sound levels and receive alerts when they reach unsafe thresholds. Meanwhile, the Hearing Protection feature on AirPods Pro 2 can help reduce exposure in noisy environments.

AirPods Pro 2

The Apple Hearing Study has previously revealed other significant findings, including the prevalence of tinnitus, with 15% of participants experiencing it daily and 77.6% having experienced it at some point. A 2023 study found that people in population-dense regions are exposed to higher noise levels, with Puerto Rico leading at 44%. During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, the study also noted a significant drop in noise levels across the U.S.

For those interested in contributing to research on hearing health, the Apple Research app is available for download on the App Store, allowing iPhone users to participate in studies like the Apple Hearing Study. With Super Bowl LIX set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Apple encourages fans to be mindful of their noise exposure and take advantage of Apple Watch’s Noise app and AirPods Pro’s Hearing Protection to safeguard their hearing.

About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.