Exposure to music and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among professional pop/rock/jazz musicians

Abstract

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been extensively studied in industrial work environments. With the advent of new technologies, loud music has been increasingly affecting listeners outside of the industrial setting. Most research on the effects of music and hearing loss has focused on classical musicians. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between the amount of experience a professional pop/rock/jazz musician has and objective and subjective variables of the musician's hearing loss. This study also examined professional pop/rock/jazz musicians’ use of hearing protection devices in relation to the extent of their exposure to amplified music. Forty-four pop/rock/jazz musicians were interviewed using the Pop/Rock/Jazz Musician's Questionnaire (PRJMQ) in order to obtain self-reported symptoms of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Forty-two of the subjects were also tested for air-conduction hearing thresholds in the frequency range of 1-8 kHz. Results show that the extent of professional pop/rock/jazz musicians’ exposure to amplified music was related to both objective and subjective variables of hearing loss: Greater musical experience was positively linked to higher hearing thresholds in the frequency range of 3-6 kHz and to the subjective symptom of tinnitus. Weekly hours playing were found to have a greater effect on hearing loss in comparison to years playing. Use of hearing protection was not linked to the extent of exposure to amplified music. It is recommended that further research be conducted with a larger sample, in order to gain a greater understanding of the detrimental effects of hours playing versus years playing.

Noise-Induced hearing loss among professional musicians

“…This finding was consistent with previous studies and indicated the dose-response effect 18) . Moreover, hearing loss was more frequent in men than in women.…”

Are Younger Adults at Risk of Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss?

“…The outcome of the current study showed that almost half of the total young participants were at mild risk of lifestyle induced hearing loss and approximately 40% of the participants were at moderate risk of lifestyle induced hearing loss. The findings of present study are in consonance with previous literature reported risk of hearing loss due to current lifestyle of youth [2][3][4][5][6]. The outcome of the present study showed younger adults at risk of lifestyle induced hearing loss.…”

“…In another study by Curhan et al [5] concluded that higher body mass index and larger waist circumference due to inappropriate diet chart are associated with increased risk of hearing loss in women. Halevi et al [6] investigated self-assessment of hearing loss in among professional pop/rock/jazz musicians. The outcome of their study showed that greater musical experience was positively linked to higher hearing thresholds.…”

“…Marmut et al [7] reported that chances of tinnitus were 13 times higher among drug addicts compared with non-drug users. From the previous literature it can be concluded that modern lifestyle habits among youngsters are risk factors for hearing loss [2][3][4][5][6]. So, there is a need to investigate the risk of early "Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss" among younger adults.…”

Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Middle and High School Band Members: A Preliminary Study

“…NIHL has been found in symphony orchestra musicians [17], in rock musicians [15], and in other professional musicians [18, 19]. Pawlaczyk-Łuszczynska et al [16] assessed the hearing of 126 orchestra musicians and found 35% displayed high-frequency notches typical for NIHL, mainly at 6,000 Hz.…”