Noise Exposure to Musicians during Practice

Abstract

Occupational noise exposure poses a unique problem for selected groups of workers. Musicians are especially dependent on their hearing and represent a special category of workers. Regulatory standards do not address the unique nature of exposure nor the particular requirements of musicians for auditory competence. Studies of musician settings such as practices have been noted to precipitate not only subjective complaints but also documented threshold shifts. The purpose of this study is to document musicians' noise exposure during practices and performances. Different types of musical groups were monitored, including marching bands, concert bands, and a small combo performance group to determine the noise exposures resulting from different musical formats and practice environments. Individual dosimeters were worn by selected members of each band to determine their noise exposures. Results from the various noise sampling indicated noise doses as high as 169.0 percent (equivalent time-weighted average, TWA, of 100.4 dB(A)) of the standard for a 4-hour practice period. The practice rooms and areas have been compared to the high noise levels. The result has been compared to Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1910.95 standard.