Super Bowl Sunday: An Intense Soundscape!
If you’re anywhere near San Francisco this Super Bowl Sunday, you already know the city is about to get loud. Really loud. Cheering crowds, packed watch parties, booming halftime shows, and maybe a few enthusiastic neighbors—it all adds up to a soundscape worthy of the big game.
But just how loud does it get? And does it matter for your hearing?
What Is the Apple Hearing Study?
The Apple Hearing Study is a large, ongoing research collaboration between Apple and the University of Michigan. It uses data from people across the U.S. who opt in to share noise-exposure information collected by their Apple Watch and iPhone. The goal is to better understand how everyday sound exposure affects hearing and overall health.
Because the study includes over 115,000 participants, researchers can look at noise patterns across the entire country—not just in labs or small groups.
And that leads to a very important question…
What Happens to Noise Levels on Super Bowl Sunday?
Researchers analyzed noise data from the past several Super Bowls and compared it to typical Sundays. Here’s what they found:
Noise levels across the U.S. were 1.5–3 decibels higher on Super Bowl Sundays.
That may sound small, but a 3-decibel increase actually doubles the sound energy reaching your ears.
Overall sound levels rose to about 68–70 decibels—roughly the noise of a vacuum cleaner.
The increase started about three hours before kickoff and lasted three hours after the game.
And yes—states hosting or playing in the game tended to be the loudest.
In other words, the Super Bowl isn’t just the most-watched event in the U.S.—it’s one of the loudest, too.
Why a “Small” Increase Matters
Sound is measured on a logarithmic scale. That means:
+3 decibels = double the sound energy
+10 decibels = ten times the sound energy
So even a change you barely notice can significantly increase how much noise your ears are exposed to.
How to Enjoy the Game Without the Ringing Ears
We’re not here to tell you to whisper during the final drive. But a few small steps can protect your hearing while you cheer:
Take short “quiet breaks” during commercials.
Lower the TV volume just a notch.
If you’re at a crowded bar or stadium, consider using earplugs.
Use apps or smart devices to keep an eye on your noise exposure.
Researchers behind the Apple Hearing Study encourage people to monitor their noise levels and protect their hearing during loud events so they can have fun safely.
The Bottom Line
Super Bowl Sunday is meant to be exciting—and a little noisy. But if you’re celebrating in or around San Francisco this year, remember: your ears are part of the team, too. A few simple steps can help make sure you’re ready to hear every touchdown call for seasons to come.
So cheer loudly… just not too loudly.
Sources: U-M School of Public Health and Michigan News
And check out our previous posts on hearing protection!