Evaluation of hearing protection device effectiveness for musicians

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate musicians’ personal attenuation and perceptions of three types of hearing protection devices (HPDs): formable foam earplugs and both non-custom and custom versions of uniform attenuation earplugs (UAEs) marketed to musicians.

Design

A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the HPDs. Audiometric testing obtained hearing levels at baseline and with each HPD across frequencies (125–8000 Hz) to determine personal attenuation ratings and uniformity of attenuation. Participants completed surveys over six months regarding how often they used the HPDs and their perceptions about wearing them.

Study sample

Twenty-four musicians were recruited to participate.

Results

Substantial variability was observed in the attenuation achieved among participants for each HPD type, but custom UAEs provided the most consistent attenuation across frequencies. Participants’ HPD preferences were influenced by multiple factors including personal instrument and specific activity. Custom UAEs were most frequently used but usage rates continually decreased over the 6-month period.

Conclusions

Fit-testing is important to determine fit and sizing. Combining information on the effectiveness of HPDs with musicians’ opinions about wearing them can inform recommendations for which types may be the most effective and feasible options for reducing sound exposures.

Keywords:

• Audiometry
• hearing conservation
• music instructor
• earplugs
• attenuation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a pilot project research training grant from the Heartland Center for Occupational Safety and Health at the University of Iowa, Training Grant No. T42OH008491 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Additional funding for this project was provided by a research grant from the University of Iowa's Graduate & Professional Student Government.