Another reason why I hate really loud music at evening functions

Not only does it make conversation just about impossible, but now we have actual medical evidence that booming bass notes are bad—and not just for your hearing.

Blasting music can be hard on the ears and the neighbors, and now researchers say it can also pack enough punch to collapse a lung. Reporting in the medical journal Thorax, they describe the cases of four young men who suffered a lung collapse -- technically called pneumothorax -- that appeared to be triggered by loud music… [researchers] suspect that loud music may damage the lungs due to its booming bass frequency, which can be felt as a vibration going through the body. The lungs may essentially start to vibrate in the same frequency as the bass, which could cause a lung to rupture.

For some reason, tall, thin, male smokers join those with pre-existing lung problems are most at risk—but why take the chance? Just turn it down a notch, and all your attendees will thank you.

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