HEARING SAFETY
JESSICA NEWMAN, AU.D.
KAYLEE LAITINEN
JESSICA COKER
OUTLINE OF TOPICS
• Prevalence of Hearing Loss
• Noise Induced Hearing Loss
• Music Induced Hearing Loss
• Hearing Protection
• Other Resources
PREVALENCE OF HEARING LOSS
• Approximately 36 million Americans are
effected by some degree of hearing loss
(NIDCD).
• Approximately15% of Americans
between 20 and 69 have a high
frequency hearing loss due to exposure
to loud noise or sounds either in a work
setting or through leisure activities
(NIDCD).
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
• Defined: Hearing loss that is caused either
by a one-time or repeated exposure to
very loud sound(s) at various loudness
levels over an extended period of time
• The hazardous noise causes damage to
the delicate hair cells inside
of the cochlea, within the
inner ear.
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
• Progressive
• Can be temporary or permanent
• Temporary Loss: Change in hearing
after noise exposure but returns in time
• Permanent Loss: Change in hearing
after noise exposure but will NOT return
HIGH RISK OF NOISE INDUCED
HEARING LOSS
• Industrial/Workplace
• Military
• Recreational Noise Exposure
• Musicians
SIGNS OF NOISE INDUCED HEARING
LOSS
• Unable to hear speech clearly, especially
in noisy situations
• Others sound muffled and talk quickly
• Need to turn up the volume on devices
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
• Typically affects the higher frequencies
IMPACT OF HEARING LOSS
PROBLEMS LOUD NOISE EXPOSURE
COULD CAUSE IN THE FUTURE
• Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears
• Hyperacusis: Increased sensitivity to
normal sound
• Recruitment: Loud sounds are perceived
louder faster
• Diplacusis: Increase in pitch is perceived
only as increase of loudness
• May cause players to play out of tune;
more flat or sharp then normal
MUSIC INDUCED HEARING LOSS
• Hearing loss due to excessive,
unprotected exposures to loud music
Listening to an MP3 player at full volume
Attending a rock concert
Playing an instrument in an orchestra or band
• Specific type of noise induced hearing
loss
MUSIC AND HEARING LOSS
• Examples of piano, classical, and pop
with normal hearing, mild, and
moderate hearing loss
• What made the difference between
normal hearing and the hearing loss?
• Loss of volume
• Loss of brightness
• Loss of clarity
PREVALENCE OF MUSIC INDUCED
HEARING LOSS
• When compared to non-musicians,
musicians typically have a higher
prevalence of hearing loss 58% of
classical musicians have a hearing loss
• 30% of rock/pop musicians have a hearing loss
• 86% of musicians & concert goers have experienced ringing
or buzzing afterwards
• Hearing loss can be asymmetric due to
instrument placement
EXPOSURE LEVELS BY SECTION
• Woodwind: 90-108 dB SPL
• Strings: 86-109 dB SPL
• Brass: 83-110 dB SPL
• Percussion: >120 dB SPL
• Orchestra: 87-98 dB SPL
• Amp. Guitar: >155 dB SPL
• Band: 120 dB SPL
OSHA SOUND LEVEL EXPOSURES
• According to OSHA, hearing protection needs to be
worn when exposure to these high noise levels
exceeds the length of
8 hours
90 dBA
exposure given
6 hours
92 dBA
4 hours
95 dBA
• Each line is the
3 hours
97 dBA
acceptable exposure
2 hours
100 dBA
limit per 24 hours
1.5 hours
102 dBA
1 hour
105 dBA
0.5 hour
110 dBA
0.25 hour
115 dBA
DAILY ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE LEVELS
• Whisper at 6 feet: 30
dB
• Average
conversation at 3 ft:
60-65 dB
• Average alarm clock:
70 dB
• Playing the piano: 85
dB
• Attending a
symphony concert:
90 dB
• Fireworks: 140 dB
PREVENTION OF HEARING LOSS
• Noise Exposure In Moderation
• Be alert to hazardous noise levels
• Wear hearing protection devices!
DISPOSABLE EARPLUGS
•
•
•
•
Pre-formed or Hand formed
Cost effective
Most comfortable
Universal fit in >90% of population
Courtesy of: directindustry.com
Courtesy of :
macksearplugs.com
PROPERLY FITTING DISPOSABLE
EARPLUGS
• Roll earplug between thumb and index finger to the
smallest size possible
• Pull up and back on pinna
• Insert earplug so that at least 2/3 of the plug is in the
ear canal
• Use index finger to hold earplug in place while it
expands
• Ensure there are no creases in plug
EAR CANAL CAPS
• Universal fit
• Quickly inserted
• Moderately inexpensive
EAR MUFFS
• Universal fit
• Can be worn with earplugs
• Easiest to wear
CUSTOM EARPLUGS
•
•
•
•
Common option for musicians
More expensive but are custom
Earmold Impressions
Typically are more comfortable and can provide a better seal
• Most companies have a choice of either 9, 15, or 25 dB filters
on earplugs
LOUISIANA TECH
SPEECH & HEARING CLINIC
• Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
• FREE to all Tech Students
• Custom Fit Earplugs
• Can be purchased from the clinic
• Additional information
• Robinson Hall
• 318-257-4766
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sound level meter apps
Setting lower maximum volume on mobile devices
http://www.hearnet.com/
http://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearthemusic/
http://www.musiciansclinics.com/hearing_loss.asp
www.playitdown.org
• Download free app to hear what your music sounds like to
different age groups, challenge friends to see who detects
the highest frequency, and check the sound levels for every
room
CONCLUSION
• Most people realize that loud volumes can cause
hearing damage but do nothing about it.
• How long and how loud you are exposed to the sound can
affect your hearing.
• The use of hearing protection can aid in conserving your
hearing.
REFERENCES
• Chasin, Marshall. (2009). Musicians and the Prevention of Hearing Loss. [Powerpoint Slides].
Retrieved from American Academy of Audiology. Website:
www.audiology.org/documents/AN2009Handouts/LM302_Chasin.pdf
• Chasin, Marshall. Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians- moderation, ear plugs, and humming.
CoordinateMovement. Retrieved September 25, 2012, from
www.coordinatemovement.com/articles/HearingLossPreventionForMusicians.pdf
• Mendelson, Andrew (2011, July 25). 10 Famous Musicians with Hearing Damage. ListVerse.
Retrieved September 25, 2012, from listverse.com/2011/07/25/10-famous-musicians-with-hearingloss
• Musicians risk their hearing. (2006, October, 10). Hear-it: hearing, hearing loss, hard of hearing,
hearing impairment. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from
www.musicmotion.com/content/mim/pdfs/musicians%20risk%20hearing.pdf
• http://www.agius.com/hew/resource/nihl.htm
• https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx#what