University Marching Band Members’ Noise Dosages and Hearing Health-Related Knowledge

Objectives: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-11, Vol.18 (21), p.11497
Main Authors: Washnik, Nilesh J., Russell, Jeffrey A., Bhatt, Ishan, Meier, Rebecca, Chuzie, Olivia, Nadeau, Nicole, Kirjava, Shade, Goff, Allyson
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dosimeters
Dosimetry
Ear protection
Exposure
Health risks
Hearing
Hearing loss
Hearing protection
Music
Musicians & conductors
Noise
Perceptions
Risk taking
Sound
Students
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Objectives: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Methods: Personal noise dosimetry was completed on six marching band members and the band director during rehearsals and performances. Dosimetry measurements for two audience members were collected during the performances. Noise dose values were calculated using NIOSH criteria. One hundred twenty-three marching band members responded to a questionnaire analyzing perceptions of loud music exposure, the associated hearing health risks, and preventive behavior. Results: Noise dose values exceeded the NIOSH recommended limits among all six marching band members during rehearsals and performances. Higher sound levels were recorded during performances compared to rehearsals. The audience members were not exposed to hazardous levels. Most marching band members reported low concern for health effects from high sound exposure and minimal use of HPDs. Conclusion: High sound exposure and low concern regarding hearing health among marching band members reflect the need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs for this population.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph182111497