Noise Exposure and Otological Morbidity in Military Musicians in Cotonou

Abstract

Introduction: Military musicians are subjected to a double risk of noise related to the use of combat weapons and then to the use of musical instruments. The objective of this study was to assess the otological damage of military music professionals in Cotonou. Methods: This was an analytical crosssectional study carried out from July 15 to November 15, 2019. It focused on soldiers from the Music Squadron and the first Motorized Intervention Battalion of Camp Guézo in Cotonou. Results: 110 soldiers were included. The mean age was 34.3 ± 6.2 years. The sex ratio was 17.3. The instruments used were wind (74.5%), percussion (23.6%) and string (1.8%). The average length of service in the Music Squadron was 11.5 ± 6.7 years with extremes of 1 year and 25 years. They practiced military music for an average of 4.58 hours per day for 4 days per week. The mean sonometric measurement during training ranged from 89.1 dB (A) to 116.4 dB (A). Hearing loss was predominant in the military musicians group and was mild degree bilaterally (p = 0.002) and perceptual type (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Military musicians are exposed to high noise levels, putting them at risk of developing hearing problems that may limit their performance. The main otological morbidity found was hearing loss associated with a few cases of tinnitus and headache.