What they weren't prepared for, however, was how loud the volume would be. Whiteford's experience leaves some wondering whether film volumes are getting louder, particularly as films are running longer than in the past. “It's one of the most common public health concerns, and it's one of the only public health concerns we have right now that is a hundred percent preventable.” Movie theaters typically stay below 95 dBs, he said, yet loud action scenes and extended runtimes can produce risky spikes that may affect hearing. Experts outline decibel ranges: 60–70 dBs for conversation, 80–90 dBs for loud environments, and potential harm above 95–100 dBs with longer exposure.