Professional musicians’ hearing, their perception of risk, and attitudes regarding hearing protection

摘要

The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of the use of hearing protectionamong the members of an instrumental and vocal band during their rehearsals andperformances. The study group consisted of 34 members of the Indaial Municipal Band.Subjects answered questionnaires and underwent pure-tone audiometry. They also attended alecture where informative folders and hearing protection was provided; subjects were asked totry using the protectors during a 3-month period. Mean sound pressure levels during a rehearsalranged from 96.4 dB(A) to 106.9 dB(A). At the end of the study period, 56.2% reported theydid not like hearing protection, while 43.7 % liked it. The most common complaints werediscomfort with sounds (58.8 %) and tinnitus (47%). Seventy-seven percent reported thatmusic might cause hearing impairment. When median audiometric thresholds were comparedwith those from age-matched unexposed controls, a statistically significant difference wasobserved in the right ear at 4 and 6 kHz and at the left ear in 3, 4 and 6 kHz. Although mostsubjects were aware of the risk, few took any preventive measure against the hearing risks.This suggests the need for periodic educational campaigns and specific legislation tailored tomusic professionals.