In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Heather Morrison, the province's chief public health officer, has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the use of air horns in hockey arenas. In a letter sent to hockey associations on December 10, 2024, Morrison pointed out that these compressed air horns can produce sound levels of 100 decibels or more, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 70 decibels. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to decibel levels above 70 can lead to hearing loss.

Morrison addressed the issue in response to complaints regarding the disruptive noise levels at games. John Abbott, general manager of the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown, where many hockey games are held, acknowledged the loudness of air horns. He mentioned that while he hasn’t personally sat near a fan using an air horn, he can imagine how bothersome it would be. In light of Morrison's letter, the arena has now implemented a formal ban on air horns, with the signage to inform attendees of the policy.

Keith Ford, a coach with over 30 years of experience in the Charlottetown Minor Hockey Association, expressed his support for the ban, citing both health risks and distractions to players as key concerns. He encouraged fans to express their excitement through clapping or using cowbells, which produce a softer noise compared to air horns.

Peter Benstead, an audiologist and owner of a hearing clinic in Charlottetown, provided further insight into the loudness of these devices. He noted that some air horns can reach up to 120 decibels, comparable to the noise produced by a gas-powered chainsaw at close range, and stated that even a single blast can exceed the daily safe noise exposure limits. He indicated that while cowbells can also be loud, they are not as damaging as air horns. Benstead emphasized that it is natural for fans to express excitement, but he believes that measures should be taken to ensure the safety of all attendees at sporting events.

At the Eastlink Centre, air horns are now officially prohibited, but Abbott mentioned that they are keeping an old ferry horn that sounds like a foghorn for celebrations when a goal is scored. Positioned 12 meters above the ice, it poses no risk of causing discomfort, and Abbott noted that removal would likely lead to complaints from fans who enjoy its traditional role in the game.

This initiative highlights a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining a safe environment at sporting events, where noise levels can significantly impact the experience for both players and audience members.