communication and quality of life, but
also their career and ability to obtain or
maintain a job.
Although this
document is
aimed at professional musicians (members of an
orchestra or a
band, or music teachers) many of the recommendations
also apply to the wide range of occupations in the music profession such as audio engineers, producers, crew
members, music students, and nightclub disc jockeys
(DJs). Professional musicians work and practice in a variety of venues ranging from large music halls, theatres,
and arenas; to smaller clubs and school and university
music rooms. Musicians are often overlooked in terms of
occupational safety and health practices. Music-induced
hearing loss occurs slowly and over a long period of time,
and most musicians do not seek help until they start to
experience secondary symptoms such as tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears), distortion of sounds, diplacusis
(hearing same notes at different pitches), and hyperacusis (extreme sensitivity to everyday sounds).
In addition, negative health consequences are associated with producing high musical sound levels. Musicians
are at increased risk for both musculoskeletal and vocal
health problems when producing high sound levels on
musical instruments like the piano, trumpet, guitar, or
drums. Increased biomechanical demands, whether at
the hands, embouchure, or vocal cords, elevates the risks
for occupational health problems like tendonitis, carpal
tunnel, rupture of facial muscles, and vocal cord malfunction.
Description of Exposure
Measurements of sound levels on stage of rock-and-roll
concerts range from 105–120 dB SPL (90 – 110 dBA). A
study of sound exposure levels among orchestral members during individual or group rehearsals and during
live performances showed sound levels reaching as high
as 100 dBA. The highest sound exposure levels among
orchestra members were found in percussionists, 95
dBA; flute/piccolo players, 95 dBA; and brass players,
92x94 dBA . A study of noise exposure associated with
marching bands found average sound levels of 95-122
dBA for brass drums, 106-118 dBA for cymbals, and 95113 dBA for snare drums. Studies of sound exposure
during college wind band performances and rehearsals
34
found average levels of concert and symphonic bands were
89x90 dBA, and 52% of subjects had a daily noise dose that
exceeded the NIOSH REL. A questionnaire from the Stewart study found the use of hearing protection to be almost
nonexistent during “instrument playing activities.” Even employees of music clubs are at risk of developing hearing loss;
average sound levels at eight different music clubs during
performances ranged from 95 to 107 dBA.
Although great strides are being made in research on music induced hearing loss, overall hearing conservation efforts
have been minimal and left to the individual. A few countries
(Australia, UK, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Finland, and Sweden) have specific recommendations for occupational exposure limits for music or noise in the entertainment industry.
Two excellent resources are the Control of Noise in the Music
Entertainment Industry from the Worksafe Western Australia
Commission and the Control of noise at work in music and
entertainment from the United Kingdom Health and Safety
Executive.
NIOSH Investigation
NIOSH conducted a Health Hazard Evaluation during middle
and high school music classes and marching band rehearsals [NIOSH 2012]. Music instruction and rehearsals took place
in a band room and in a cafeteria. NIOSH researchers measured the instructor’s personal noise exposure using a noise
dosimeter. Researchers measured sound levels throughout
the room and cafeteria areas. Sound levels during most band
rehearsals ranged from 91–97 dBA, and exceeded 100 dBA
numerous times. The band director’s personal exposure over
6 different classes and rehearsals (228 minutes) was 92 dBA
(TWA), with a dose of 461% (both well above the NIOSH REL).
Sound levels in the band room were much greater than in the
cafeteria, mostly because the cafeteria was larger and had
higher ceilings. NIOSH recommendations included treating
the rooms with acoustical absorbent materials; providing
appropriate space for practice based on the number of the
students; improving faculty and students’ awareness of the
risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss; increasing
distances between students\ and band directors; lowering
sound levels during rehearsals, if feasible; taking breaks in
quiet areas; and providing teachers and students with custom-fitted musician earplugs.
Recommendations
NIOSH recommends hearing conservation programs for all
workplaces with noise levels that exceed the REL of 85 dBA.
However, because music is part of musicians’ work and is the
direct result of deliberate and desired actions, effective interventions must be behavioral and should rely primar