Risk of Hearing Loss in Orchestra Musicians: Review of the Literature

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 164-168
Author(s):  
Alberto Behar ◽  
Willy Wong ◽  
Hans Kunov
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Measurement Technique ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Orchestral Musicians

We reviewed 13 papers on noise exposure of orchestral musicians and found that the question of whether orchestra musicians are overexposed does not appear to have a clear answer. To find relevant papers, we researched three databases (Scholar, Scopos, and Medline), which yielded 6, 9, and 17 papers, respectively (including duplicates). A number of papers in the reviewed literature lacked basic descriptions concerning such issues as measurement technique and instrumentation. Rough data and calculation details were often not provided so that the conclusions could not be checked easily. The most serious problem was the estimated time that musicians performed in the orchestra. This information is crucial for the calculation of the normalized noise exposure levels (LEX), and is especially important as orchestra players do not perform year-round nor are they exposed to the same noise levels while performing different pieces of music.

scholarly journals O1B.4 Health effects of prenatal occupational noise exposure: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A5.3-A6
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Inge Brosbøl Iversen ◽  
Henrik Kolstad
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposure Levels

Current legislation and threshold limits for occupational noise exposure may not sufficiently account for higher vulnerability of the foetus. We conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies of prenatal noise exposure levels and health. Maternal tissues attenuate industrial noise by about 30 dB. The foetus responds the earliest to noise exposure from the 19th week of gestational age. There is some evidence of an increased risk of hearing loss at prenatal noise levels≥85 dBA (8 hour average) and little evidence at lower levels. Increased risks for preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age and congenital malformations are seen as single study findings at levels≥90 dBA. There is little evidence for how noise exposure may increase the risk of extra-auditive effects in the foetus. Methodological shortcomings and the scarce number of studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Still, we recommend pregnant women avoid working at noise levels≥85 dBA.

Noise Exposure Levels for Student Musicians

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 160-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa L Miller ◽  
Michael Stewart ◽  
Mark Lehman
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
University Student ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Weighted Averages ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Loud Music

Twenty-seven student musicians were surveyed regarding musical practice and playing habits, knowledge of hearing conservation practices, use of hearing protective devices (HPD), and the occurrence of tinnitus after exposure to loud music. In addition, noise exposure levels during practice and sporting events (football and basketball games) at which they played were monitored with a dosimeter simultaneously set to measure noise levels using the OSHA (1983) and NIOSH (1998) measurement criteria. Forty-eight percent of the subjects reported practicing or playing their instrument <10 hours a week. Most musicians (74%) reported having been taught about the effects of noise on hearing and health; however, less than a third used ear protection while playing their instruments, and those who did used it inconsistently. Sixty-three percent of subjects reported experiencing tinnitus after exposure to loud music. Finally, 8-hour time-weighted averages (TWA) and daily noise doses were significantly higher using the NIOSH measurement criteria than the OSHA measurement criteria. Both measurement criteria yielded values that exceeded a 100% daily noise dose for all subjects. Overall, these results indicate that university student directors and musicians appear to be at high risk for permanent noise-induced hearing loss secondary to excessive exposure to loud music. These results support the need for on-going hearing conservation programs to educate student musicians and student directors about the dangers of excessive exposure to loud music.

scholarly journals A Quantitative General Population Job Exposure Matrix for Occupational Noise Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 604-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Mogens Erlandsen ◽  
Vivi Schlünssen ◽  
Ioannis Basinas ◽  
Jens Peter Bonde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Job Exposure Matrix ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Exposure Levels

Abstract Occupational noise exposure is a known risk factor for hearing loss and also adverse cardiovascular effects have been suggested. A job exposure matrix (JEM) would enable studies of noise and health on a large scale. The objective of this study was to create a quantitative JEM for occupational noise exposure assessment of the general working population. Between 2001–2003 and 2009–2010, we recruited workers from companies within the 10 industries with the highest reporting of noise-induced hearing loss according to the Danish Working Environment Authority and in addition workers of financial services and children day care to optimize the range in exposure levels. We obtained 1343 personal occupational noise dosimeter measurements among 1140 workers representing 100 different jobs according to the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 (DISCO 88). Four experts used 35 of these jobs as benchmarks and rated noise levels for the remaining 337 jobs within DISCO 88. To estimate noise levels for all 372 jobs, we included expert ratings together with sex, age, occupational class, and calendar year as fixed effects, while job and worker were included as random effects in a linear mixed regression model. The fixed effects explained 40% of the total variance: 72% of the between-jobs variance, −6% of the between-workers variance and 4% of the within-worker variance. Modelled noise levels showed a monotonic increase with increasing expert score and a 20 dB difference between the highest and lowest exposed jobs. Based on the JEM estimates, metal wheel-grinders were among the highest and finance and sales professionals among the lowest exposed. This JEM of occupational noise exposure can be used to prioritize preventive efforts of occupational noise exposure and to provide quantitative estimates of contemporary exposure levels in epidemiological studies of health effects potentially associated with noise exposure.

scholarly journals Sonar-induced temporary hearing loss in dolphins

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Aran Mooney ◽  
Paul E. Nachtigall ◽  
Stephanie Vlachos
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Behavioural Effects ◽  
Ocean Noise ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
High Sound

There is increasing concern that human-produced ocean noise is adversely affecting marine mammals, as several recent cetacean mass strandings may have been caused by animals' interactions with naval ‘mid-frequency’ sonar. However, it has yet to be empirically demonstrated how sonar could induce these strandings or cause physiological effects. In controlled experimental studies, we show that mid-frequency sonar can induce temporary hearing loss in a bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ). Mild-behavioural alterations were also associated with the exposures. The auditory effects were induced only by repeated exposures to intense sonar pings with total sound exposure levels of 214 dB re: 1 μPa 2  s. Data support an increasing energy model to predict temporary noise-induced hearing loss and indicate that odontocete noise exposure effects bear trends similar to terrestrial mammals. Thus, sonar can induce physiological and behavioural effects in at least one species of odontocete; however, exposures must be of prolonged, high sound exposures levels to generate these effects.

scholarly journals Cochrane method for systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss – abridged

CoDAS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tikka ◽  
Jos Verbeek ◽  
Erik Kateman ◽  
Thais Catalani Morata ◽  
Wouter Dreschler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Quality Evidence

ABSTRACT Purpose Assess the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions at work on noise exposure or occupational hearing loss compared to no or alternative interventions. Research strategies Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, OSHupdate, Cochrane Central and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched. Selection criteria Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Controlled Before-After studies (CBA) and Interrupted Time-Series studies (ITS) evaluating engineering controls, administrative controls, personal hearing protection devices, and hearing surveillance were included. Case studies of engineering controls were collected. Data analysis Cochrane methods for systematic reviews, including meta-analysis, were followed. Results 29 studies were included. Stricter legislation can reduce noise levels by 4.5 dB(A) (very low-quality evidence). Engineering controls can immediately reduce noise (107 cases). Eleven RCTs and CBA studies (3725 participants) were evaluated through Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Training of earplug insertion reduces noise exposure at short term follow-up (moderate quality evidence). Earmuffs might perform better than earplugs in high noise levels but worse in low noise levels (very low-quality evidence). HPDs might reduce hearing loss at very long-term follow-up (very low-quality evidence). Seventeen studies (84028 participants) evaluated hearing loss prevention programs. Better use of HPDs might reduce hearing loss but other components not (very low-quality evidence). Conclusion Hearing loss prevention and interventions modestly reduce noise exposure and hearing loss. Better quality studies and better implementation of noise control measures and HPDs is needed.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Aircraft Noise Levels, Annoyance, and Health Effects in an Urban Area in Oman

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Amoatey ◽  
Issa Al-Harthy ◽  
Khalifa Al-Jabri ◽  
Abdullah Al-Mamun ◽  
Mahad Said Baawain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
General Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Aircraft Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
Exposure Levels

Abstract This study aimed at investigating aircraft noise exposure levels, their annoyance, and potential health effects among communities living within airport catchment areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both field measurements and an online survey approach were used to investigate aircraft noise exposure levels, annoyance, and general health effects among residents living near Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Muscat, Oman amid COVID-19 period. The study found a drastic decline in aircraft noise levels due to the introduction of COVID-19 intervention measures such as lock-downs, social distancing, and closure of airports. In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic average daily aircraft noise levels of LAeq (39.9 dB(A)) and Lmax (49.7 dB(A)) was observed compared to the previous year (April-May 2019) of 58.5 and 76.8 dB(A), indicating aircraft noise reductions level of 32% and 35%, respectively. The results of the online social survey among 187 participants showed that most (58.8%) of the respondents did not feel that the level of noise produced by aircraft causes annoyance. During the day, the vast majority of the interviewees did not complain of any annoyance during the morning (45.5%), afternoon (39.6%), and evening (31%) with only < 4% of residents having reported a very high degree of annoyance of during COVID-19 pandemic period. Very few people (17%) did complain of experiencing general health problems while 29% did not know of any potential health effects that could be attributed to aircraft noise exposures. These findings support the need sustainable mitigation of aircraft noise in order to help improve health.

In-vehicle noise exposure among military personnel depending on type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface

2019 ◽  
pp. jramc-2018-001091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assar Luha ◽  
E Merisalu ◽  
M Reinvee ◽  
S Kinnas ◽  
R Jõgeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Surface ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Vehicle Noise ◽  
Paved Road

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common health problems among military service personnel. Exposure to noise in military vehicles constitutes a large proportion of total noise exposure. This pilot study aimed to evaluate in-vehicle noise levels depending on the type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface.MethodNoise levels were measured in armoured personnel carriers and heavy all-terrain trucks, in the cab and rear passenger compartment, while driving on paved or off-road surfaces. The results were compared with national LLV and allowed noise exposure times were calculated per vehicle and surface.ResultsThe equivalent noise levels in the cab of SISU XA-188 (p=0.001) and peak noise levels in MAN 4620 (p=0.0001) and DAF 4440 (p=0.0047) were higher on paved road, compared with off-road. The equivalent noise levels in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 were significantly higher than in the cab on both paved (p=0.004) and off-road (p=0.0003). Peak noise levels in the cab of DAF 4440 exceeded the parameters measured in the canvas covered rear compartment on both paved (p=0.002) and off-road (p=0.0002). In most cases, peak noise levels were below the LLV (p=0.02–0.0001). The maximum noise exposure to passengers in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 despite road surface was calculated 0.6 hours per working day.ConclusionA high risk of noise-induced hearing loss among military personnel occurs during long distance transportation with vehicles showing noise levels higher than allowed LLV.

scholarly journals Low-Frequency Noise and Its Main Effects on Human Health—A Review of the Literature between 2016 and 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 5205
Author(s):  
Juliana Araújo Alves ◽  
Filipa Neto Paiva ◽  
Lígia Torres Silva ◽  
Paula Remoaldo
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Noise Annoyance ◽  
Main Effects

This paper summarizes the presently available knowledge about the association between low-frequency noise and its effects on health. A database was constructed with a total of 142 articles published between 2016 and 2019 regarding low-frequency noise exposure and its effects on health. A total of 39 articles were analysed in depth. The articles were divided into categories according to the effects on human health addressed. Regarding the emitting source, there was a greater number of articles addressing issues related to sources of environmental noise and noise from wind turbines. As for the effects generated on human health, there was a greater number of articles referring to the effects on sleep disorders, discomfort, sensitivity to and irritability from noise, annoyance, hearing loss, and cardiovascular diseases, and these effects are analysed in more detail in the present article.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Professional Orchestral Musicians

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska ◽  
Małgorzata Zamojska ◽  
Adam Dudarewicz ◽  
Kamil Zaborowski
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Threshold Levels ◽  
Exposed Population ◽  
Orchestral Musicians ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The overall purpose of this study was to assess hearing status in professional orchestral musicians. Standard pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were per- formed in 126 orchestral musicians. Occupational and non-occupational risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were identified in questionnaire inquiry. Data on sound pressure levels produced by various groups of instruments were also collected and analyzed. Measured hearing threshold levels (HTLs) were compared with the theoretical predictions calculated according to ISO 1999 (1990). Musicians were exposed to excessive sound at weekly noise exposure levels of for 81-100 dB (mean: 86.6±4.0 dB) for 5-48 years (mean: 24.0±10.7 years). Most of them (95%) had hearing corresponds to grade 0 of hearing impairment (mean hearing threshold level at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz lower than 25 dB). However, high frequency notched audiograms typical for noise-induced hearing loss were found in 35% of cases. Simultaneously, about 35% of audiograms showed typical for NIHL high frequency notches (mainly occurring at 6000 Hz). When analyzing the impact of age, gender and noise exposure on hearing test results both PTA and TEOAE consistently showed better hearing in females vs. males, younger vs. older musicians. But higher exposure to orchestral noise was not associated with poorer hearing tests results. The musician’s audiometric hearing threshold levels were poorer than equivalent non-noise-exposed population and better (at 3000 and 4000 Hz) than expected for noise-exposed population according to ISO 1999 (1990). Thus, music impairs hearing of orchestral musicians, but less than expected from noise exposure.

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