Reducing Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Collegiate Music Ensembles Using Ambient Technology

Student musicians are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) as they develop skills and perform during instructional activities. Studies using longitudinal dosimeter data show that pedagogical procedures and instructor behaviors are highly predictive of NIHL risk, thus implying the need for innovative approaches to increase instructor competency in managing instructional activities without interfering with artistic and academic freedom. Ambient information systems, an emerging trend in human-computer interaction that infuses psychological behavioral theories into technologies, can help construct informative risk-regulating systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of introducing an ambient information system into the ensemble setting. The system used two ambient displays and a counterbalanced within-subjects treatment study design with six jazz ensemble instructors to determine if the system could induce a behavior change that alters trends in measures resulting from dosimeter data. This study assessed efficacy using time series analysis to determine changes in eight statistical measures of behavior over a 9-wk period. Analysis showed that the system was effective, as all instructors showed changes in a combination of measures. This study is in an important step in developing non-interfering technology to reduce NIHL among academic musicians.

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Risk Assessment of Recreational Noise–Induced Hearing Loss from Exposure through a Personal Audio System—iPod Touch

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology ◽

10.3766/jaaa.17140 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (07) ◽

pp. 619-633 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kamakshi V. Gopal ◽

Liana E. Mills ◽

Bryce S. Phillips ◽

Rajesh Nandy

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Otoacoustic Emissions ◽

Pure Tone ◽

Risk Indicator ◽

Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽

Ipod Touch ◽

Distortion Product ◽

Before And After ◽

Within Subjects ◽

Loud Music

AbstractRecreational noise–induced hearing loss (RNIHL) is a major health issue and presents a huge economic burden on society. Exposure to loud music is not considered hazardous in our society because music is thought to be a source of relaxation and entertainment. However, there is evidence that regardless of the sound source, frequent exposure to loud music, including through personal audio systems (PAS), can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, difficulty processing speech, and increased susceptibility to age-related hearing loss.Several studies have documented temporary threshold shifts (TTS) (a risk indicator of future permanent impairment) in subjects that listen to loud music through their PAS. However, there is not enough information regarding volume settings that may be considered to be safe. As a primary step toward quantifying the risk of RNIHL through PAS, we assessed changes in auditory test measures before and after exposure to music through the popular iPod Touch device set at various volume levels.This project design incorporated aspects of both between- and within-subjects and used repeated measures to analyze individual groups.A total of 40 adults, aged 18–31 years with normal hearing were recruited and randomly distributed to four groups. Each group consisted of five males and five females.Subjects underwent two rounds of testing (pre- and postmusic exposure), with a 30-min interval, where they listened to a playlist consisting of popular songs through an iPod at 100%, 75%, 50%, or 0% volume (no music). Based on our analysis on the Knowles Electronic Manikin for Acoustic Research, with a standardized 711 coupler, it was determined that listening to the playlist for 30 min through standard earbuds resulted in an average level of 97.0 dBC at 100% volume, 83.3 dBC at 75% volume, and 65.6 dBC at 50% volume. Pure-tone thresholds from 500–8000 Hz, extended high-frequency pure tones between 9–12.5 kHz, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were obtained before and after the 30-min music exposure. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with two between-subjects factors (volume and gender) and one within-subjects factor (frequency). Change (shift) in auditory test measures was used as the outcome for the ANOVA.Results indicated significant worsening of pure-tone thresholds following music exposure only in the group that was exposed to 100% volume at the following frequencies: 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz. DPOAEs showed significant decrease at 2000 and 2822 Hz, also only for the 100% volume condition. No significant changes were found between pre- and postmusic exposure measures in groups exposed to 75%, 50%, or 0% volume conditions. Follow-up evaluations conducted a week later indicated that pure-tone thresholds had returned to the premusic exposure levels.These results provide quantifiable information regarding safe volume control settings on the iPod Touch with standard earbuds. Listening to music using the iPod Touch at 100% volume setting for as little as 30 min leads to TTS and worsening of otoacoustic emissions, a risk for permanent auditory damage.

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For Those About to Rock

Perspectives on Public Health Issues Related to Hearing and Balance ◽

10.1044/hcoa13.1.29 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 29-35

Author(s):

Jennifer Tufts

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Cultural Landscape ◽

Minimal Risk ◽

Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽

Essential Information ◽

Informed Decisions ◽

Hearing Health ◽

Loud Music ◽

Protective Strategies

Loud music and noisy hobbies are part of our cultural landscape. These activities can be enjoyed with minimal risk to hearing if a few commonsense guidelines are followed. Educating clients about risks and protective strategies will empower them to make informed decisions about their hearing health that best reflect their values and priorities. In this article, the author covers essential information to avoiding noise-induced hearing loss, writing in easily accessible language to better help clinicians convey this information to their clients.

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