Musician Hearing Disorders
Condition
Slow onset with gradual progression: Tinnitus, sound distortion, diplacusis (hearing same notes at different pitches), hyperacusis (extreme sensitivity to everyday sounds), hearing loss:
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Musicians and those in music industry are at risk due to repetitive exposures to loud sounds.
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Extends to other music professionals such as audio engineers, producers, crew members, music students, DJs.
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Can significantly impair communication and Quality of Life as well as career and ability to maintain job.
Cause: CDC (NIOSH)* investigation
Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) for sound exposures (measured in decibels using A-weighting frequency-dBA) : 8 hrs for 85 dBA, 60 mins for 94 dBA, 15 mins for 100 dBA. Risk of unsafe exposures:
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Percussionists, flute/piccolo, brass, cymbals are ~ 95 dBA; 52% in college band, marching band, concert bands exceed NIOSH REL.
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Music clubs: 95 - 107 dBA.
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On stage in rock and roll concerts: 90-110 dBA.
Prevention
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Musician education and awareness of risks.
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Hearing conservation program including audiometric testing.
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Sound level assessments and noise control designs for rehearsal rooms.
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Hearing protection solutions designed specifically for musicians.
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Reducing sound output in In-Ear monitors to listen to vocals and stage instruments.
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Encouraging hearing breaks - ears typically need ~18 hrs to recover to normal hearing.
* CDC: Center for Disease Control, NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health