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Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in student musicians

 This week's article for Musician's Journal Club was a 2010 Journal from the International Journal of Audiology entitled "Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in student musicians". Musicians are often in high noise-exposure environments in rehearsals, practice rooms, and concert halls, and this study specifically examined the hearing health of music students and analyzed prevalence and correlated factors such as practice time and instrument.



Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined by a drop, or notch, in hearing sensitivity at an intensity between 3000 and 6000 Hz, meaning that there is a pitch or set of pitches in this range that are not as audible to the individual. For reference, 3000 to 6000 Hz is roughly F#7 to F#8. NIHL is caused, among other factors, by high-intensity sound exposure, defined by OSHA as 8 hours at 85 dBA with a decrease in half the exposure time for each 3 dBA increase. This means at or above 4 hours of 88 dBA sound exposure, 2 hours of 91 dBA, or 1 hour of 94 dBA sound exposure. Importantly, the sound exposure measured for musicians and music teachers was over 85 dBA, suggesting that, dependent of exposure time, musicians may be at risk for high-intensity sound exposure.

Additional risk factors for NIHL include smoking, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain chemical exposures, and genetic predisposition. Previous studies have estimated the prevalence of NIHL in adult musicians to be between 38 and 50%. In general, musicians showed higher hearing thresholds than the general population, with the exception of the notch corresponding to NIHL.




This study found the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in music students to be 45%, which is similar to the estimated range of NIHL in adult musicians and higher than the expected prevalence for the 20-29 year old age range of 29%. This prevalence is similar to the prevalence of NIHL seen in industrial workers. 

The prevalence of bilateral NIHL in these music students was 11.5%, and bilateral NIHL was more common in musicians who played louder instruments, especially brass instruments. Students who self-reported at least 2 hours of practice or more per day were more likely to show NIHL symptoms.

This study recommends annual hearing checks for musicians, sound exposure monitoring in practice rooms, and hearing health education for music students.


Survey results showing that 26% of respondents used hearing protection while practicing and 32% used hearing protection while performing. As part of their musical training, 20% of respondents received a hearing evaluation and 25% received hearing health education. 43% of respondents said they consider sound exposure when choosing a practice location, and 58% said they have noticed changes in their hearing since they began playing their instrument.

Reflection

This week's posts did not generate as much engagement as I had hoped, with a total of 22 likes and zero comments on the three main posts for the week. The stories for this week's discussion averaged 19.5 responses. My follower count grew 11.5% over the last week and a half to 107 followers. My original goal for the project had been 100 followers, so while this is slower growth than I had previously seen, I do think this is still a sign of success.

To take advantage of the week off, I collected some data from my followers about their interests to help guide the next half of my semester-long project. I specifically asked about their favorite articles, which area of musician health most interested them, and their current occupation.

Audience metrics gathered from Instagram polls showing that while most respondents didn't list a preference for topic, the most favorited article was the article about performance anxiety. 64% of respondents are currently students, and of those 80% are undergraduates. Only 29% currently teach music, and that teaching is almost entirely private lessons. Over half of respondents listed their primary occupation as music students, with healthcare provider being the least common response. Common instruments played by respondents include bass, clarinet, euphonium, flute, piano, and voice.





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