Music to Our Ears: Are Dancers at Risk for High Sound Level Exposure?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-232
Author(s):  
Haley Busenbarrick ◽  
Kathleen L. Davenport
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Sound Recording ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
High Sound

Enduring exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the performing arts population, NIHL has been studied primarily in the context of sound exposure experienced by musicians and less so by dancers. This research aimed to identify sound exposure that dancers may experience in some dance classes. Decibel levels were recorded in 12 dance classes (6 ballet, 4 modern, and 1 soft and 1 hard shoe Irish dance) at 8 different studios using the NIOSH SLM app on an iOS smartphone with external microphone. A minimum of five recordings of each class was measured, each collected on a different day, yielding a total of 114 measurements. Results showed that 20.2% of all recordings exceeded the recommended NIOSH sound exposure limits of both 100% projected daily dose and 85 LAeq. Analysis between styles of dance demonstrated significantly lower LAeq (p≤0.05) in soft shoe Irish dance compared to ballet (p=0.023), modern (p=0.035), and Irish hard shoe dance (p=0.009). Irish soft shoe dance demonstrated minimal to no risk of high sound exposure. Conversely, 53.25% of ballet, 90.9% of Irish hard shoe dance, and 68.24% of modern recordings exhibited minimal to moderate risk of high sound exposure. Furthermore, we found wide ranges of projected daily noise doses within classes taught by the same teacher. It is recommended that multiple recordings of dance environments be obtained, as a single sound recording may not accurately represent potential exposure. These findings indicate that dancers of Irish hard shoe, modern, and ballet may benefit from noise intervention such as audiometric testing, noise controls, and hearing protection.

scholarly journals Protective earphones and human hearing system response to the received sound frequency signals

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1030-1036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niloofar Ziayi Ghahnavieh ◽  
Siamak Pourabdian ◽  
Farhad Forouharmajd
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
System Response ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Labview Software ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Sound Reduction

Sound is one of the most important problems in industrial environments, and it causes hearing loss at different frequencies in the workforce. Incorrect fitting of hearing protector has a negative effect on noise reduction. The present study was conducted with the aim of determination of the effective frequencies on hearing loss and variations of the sound level in different frequencies after placing the earplug. A model of ear canal with different materials was simulated. Sound pressure sensors and earplugs were placed in both sides of the ear canal. The rates of sound reduction in octave frequency signals were calculated for the simulated canal of different materials, in different distances between the microphone and the earplug with Labview software. The results of sound simulation in octave frequency signals showed that by increasing the frequency, the rates of sound reduction in different conditions also had an increasing trend. The obtained peak rates for all the situations coincided with each other at fixed frequencies. In most cases, a noise reduction in the frequency of 4000 Hz showed a high number. The maximum sound reduction was observed at 25.5 mm at frequencies below 250 Hz, which was similar to the average of human ear canal length; so the simulated model can be used to determine the performance of the protective earphones and test them at different frequencies and sound pressure levels.

The Sound Environment of the Foetal Sheep

Behaviour ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 81 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 296-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A. Baldwin ◽  
B.C.J. Moore ◽  
Sally E. Armitage ◽  
J. Toner ◽  
Margaret A. Vince
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
The Body ◽  
Human Foetus ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
High Sound ◽  
Foetal Lamb

AbstractThe sound environment of the foetal lamb was recorded using a hydrophone implanted a few weeks before term in a small number of pregnant ewes. It was implanted inside the amniotic sac and sutured loosely to the foetal neck, to move with the foetus. Results differ from those reported earlier for the human foetus: sounds from the maternal cardiovascular system were picked up only rarely, at very low frequencies and at sound pressures around, or below, the human auditory threshold. Other sounds from within the mother occurred intermittently and rose to a high sound pressure only at frequencies above about 300 Hz. Sounds from outside the mother were picked up by the implanted hydrophone when the external sound level rose above 65-70 dB SPL, and the attenuation in sound pressure was rarely more than 30 dB and, especially at low frequencies, usually much less. However, attenuation due to the transmission of sound through the body wall and other tissues tended to change from time to time. It is concluded that the foetal lamb's sound environment consists of (1) intermittent low frequency sounds associated largely with the ewe's feeding and digestive processes and (2) sounds such as vocalisations from the flock, human voices and other sounds from outside the mother.

scholarly journals Sonar-induced temporary hearing loss in dolphins

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 565-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Aran Mooney ◽  
Paul E. Nachtigall ◽  
Stephanie Vlachos
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Behavioural Effects ◽  
Ocean Noise ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
High Sound

There is increasing concern that human-produced ocean noise is adversely affecting marine mammals, as several recent cetacean mass strandings may have been caused by animals' interactions with naval ‘mid-frequency’ sonar. However, it has yet to be empirically demonstrated how sonar could induce these strandings or cause physiological effects. In controlled experimental studies, we show that mid-frequency sonar can induce temporary hearing loss in a bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ). Mild-behavioural alterations were also associated with the exposures. The auditory effects were induced only by repeated exposures to intense sonar pings with total sound exposure levels of 214 dB re: 1 μPa 2  s. Data support an increasing energy model to predict temporary noise-induced hearing loss and indicate that odontocete noise exposure effects bear trends similar to terrestrial mammals. Thus, sonar can induce physiological and behavioural effects in at least one species of odontocete; however, exposures must be of prolonged, high sound exposures levels to generate these effects.

Hygienic Characteristics of the Acoustic Environment in the Mi-8 Helicopter Cabin

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
VV Kharitonov
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Central Compartment ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Operating Modes ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Sound Pressure Levels

Introduction: The Mi-8 helicopter generates high-intensity broadband noises by its turboshaft engines whereas a comprehensive hygienic assessment of the acoustic environment in the helicopter cabin has not been conducted. The purpose of the study was to assess the acoustic environment in the Mi-8 helicopter cabin. Materials and methods: Acoustic measurements were carried out on the ground, inside the central cabin of the Mi-8 helicopter in three operating modes of the turboshaft engines: at startup, in the idle mode, and during cruise flight in the “right correction” mode. Measuring microphones were placed during the recording of the signal on a stand at the level of the human ear at six points located next to the reclining seats in the cabin. Acoustic indicators were measured using an SVAN-945A digital sound level meter and a GRAS 40AZ microphone. The collected data were processed in accordance with the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological rules, sanitary standards, and general tactical and technical requirements of the Air Force. Results: Values of regulated noise indicators at the seats of the Mi-8 helicopter crew, sound pressure levels of the most significant tonal frequencies in its central compartment were measured. To establish the presence of tonal noise, a one-third octave analysis of the recorded acoustic signals was carried out. In the central compartment of the helicopter, the values of the regulated infrasound indices and the general sound pressure level were measured in the entire regulated frequency range. Discussion: It was found that the sound pressure levels in almost all sound octaves and the equivalent sound level in all operating modes of the helicopter engines exceed the permissible exposure limits while in the infrasound region they are within the normal range (except for the frequency of 16 Hz). Thus, the class of working conditions by noise corresponds to hazard class 3.3, and by infrasound – to class 2. According to the sanitary regulations, helicopter crews should use noise suppressors to protect themselves from high noise exposures through air and bone conduction. Conclusion: The existing risks of developing a noise and infrasound-induced diseases necessitate constant monitoring of working conditions and health of the crews of Mi-8 helicopters.

scholarly journals Sound comparison of seven TMS coils at matched stimulation strength

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lari M. Koponen ◽  
Stefan M. Goetz ◽  
Debara L. Tucci ◽  
Angel V. Peterchev
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure Level ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Neural Stimulation ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
List Type ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
High Bandwidth ◽  
The Subject

AbstractBackgroundAccurate data on the sound emitted by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils is lacking.MethodsWe recorded the sound waveforms of seven coils with high bandwidth. We estimated the neural stimulation strength by measuring the induced electric field and applying a strength–duration model to account for different waveforms.ResultsAcross coils, at maximum stimulator output and 25 cm distance, the sound pressure level (SPL) was 98–125 dB(Z) per pulse and 75–97 dB(A) for a 15 Hz pulse train. At 5 cm distance, these values were estimated to increase to 112–139 dB(Z) and 89–111 dB(A), respectively.ConclusionsThe coils’ sound was below, but near, relevant exposure limits for operators and may exceed some limits for the subject. Exposure standards may inadequately capture some risks to hearing. For persons near operating TMS coils we recommend hearing protection, and we consider it essential for the TMS subject.HighlightsCoil click varies by over 20 dB(Z) between TMS coils at matched stimulation strength.Close to TMS coil, sound pressure level may reach nearly 140 dB(Z).For rTMS, the continuous sound level can exceed 110 dB(A).Hearing protection is recommended during TMS, especially for the subject.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11497
Author(s):  
Nilesh J. Washnik ◽  
Jeffrey A. Russell ◽  
Ishan Bhatt ◽  
Rebecca Meier ◽  
Olivia Chuzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Level ◽  
Marching Band ◽  
Band Director ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Band Students ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Dose Limits ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
High Sound

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.

Hearing Loss: A Primer for the Performing Arts

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
Douglas T Owens
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Performing Artists ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Protective Strategies

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major health problem that affects an estimated 16.1% of American adults, but for musicians, the onset of noise-induced, or any type of hearing loss, can be a career-changing event. The potential for dangerous sound pressure levels in musical environments has been documented in numerous studies, with exposures in both short and long durations shown to be harmful. Yet, in theory, NIHL is completely preventable. This review discusses basic information concerning the hearing mechanism and NIHL, audiometry, standards, protective strategies, and terminology. It aims to provide a general understanding of these processes as they relate to musicians and other performing artists.

Optimizing Alarm Location and Effects of Hearing Protection for Machining Industries

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (17) ◽  
pp. 1610-1614
Author(s):  
Jun-Seok Lee ◽  
Dongjoon Kong
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Location Problems ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noisy Environment ◽  
Alarm Systems ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
High Sound ◽  
Timely Warning

Emergency alarm systems are extremely important in our daily life since these can provide adequate and timely warning to people in event of threatened disaster. These systems cause a traumatic hearing loss due to their extremely high sound level. Hearing protection devices are the most popular and convenient solution for avoiding a traumatic hearing loss. However, the study of alarm location problems with hearing protection has not been much paid attention. The purposes of this study were; (1) to determine the number of alarm devices, their optimum locations and minimum sound power levels and; (2) to find the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. The selected working environment was a machining facility that usually generates extremely high noise level. An analytical model was provided and the effects of hearing protection devices were discussed with two examples. The results showed that hearing protection was highly required at or above 85dBA noisy environment.

Sound Exposure of Secondary School Music Students During Individual Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-101
Author(s):  
Matilde A Rodrigues ◽  
Sandra Gonçalves ◽  
Paula Neves ◽  
Manuela V Silva
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Music Students ◽  
Individual Study ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
School Music ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Hearing Damage ◽  
High Sound

Music students can be exposed to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) during classes, which can result in hearing damage. However, individual study can also boost their exposure. This short presentation aims to describe the SPLs to which secondary school music students are exposed during individual study, as well as the circumstances in which practice is carried out. The study involved 16 young music students, aged 12–15 yrs old. SPLs were monitored during individual study at school and at the students’ homes. Measurements were performed throughout rehearsals over a 3-week period. The results show that music students are exposed to high SPLs during the individual study, with potential for it to increase, depending on the type and features of the rooms used for practice. Students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high SPLs during individual practice, and hearing protection was never used by them. These findings denote that hearing conservation programs targeting music students should also focus on the risks to which they are exposed during individual study in different settings.

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