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Hearing Safety. Jessica Newman, Au.D. Kaylee Laitinen Jessica Coker. Outline of Topics. Prevalence of Hearing Loss Noise Induced Hearing Loss Music Induced Hearing Loss Hearing Protection Other Resources. Prevalence of Hearing Loss.
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Hearing Safety Jessica Newman, Au.D. KayleeLaitinen Jessica Coker
Outline of Topics • Prevalence of Hearing Loss • Noise Induced Hearing Loss • Music Induced Hearing Loss • Hearing Protection • Other Resources
Prevalence of Hearing Loss • Approximately 36 million Americans are effected by some degree of hearing loss (NIDCD). • Approximately15% of Americans between 20 and 69 have a high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise or sounds either in a work setting or through leisure activities (NIDCD).
Noise Induced Hearing Loss • Defined: Hearing loss that is caused either by a one-time or repeated exposure to very loud sound(s) at various loudness levels over an extended period of time • The hazardous noise causes damage to the delicate hair cells inside of the cochlea, within the inner ear.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss • Progressive • Can be temporary or permanent • Temporary Loss: Change in hearing after noise exposure but returns in time • Permanent Loss: Change in hearing after noise exposure but will NOT return
High Risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss • Industrial/Workplace • Military • Recreational Noise Exposure • Musicians
Signs of Noise induced hearing loss • Unable to hear speech clearly, especially in noisy situations • Others sound muffled and talk quickly • Need to turn up the volume on devices
Noise Induced Hearing Loss • Typically affects the higher frequencies
problems loud noise exposure could cause in the future • Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears • Hyperacusis: Increased sensitivity to normal sound • Recruitment: Loud sounds are perceived louder faster • Diplacusis: Increase in pitch is perceived only as increase of loudness • May cause players to play out of tune; more flat or sharp then normal
Music Induced Hearing Loss • Hearing loss due to excessive, unprotected exposures to loud music • Listening to an MP3 player at full volume • Attending a rock concert • Playing an instrument in an orchestra or band • Specific type of noise induced hearing loss
Music and Hearing Loss • Examples of piano, classical, and pop with normal hearing, mild, and moderate hearing loss • What made the difference between normal hearing and the hearing loss? • Loss of volume • Loss of brightness • Loss of clarity
Prevalence of music induced hearing loss • When compared to non-musicians, musicians typically have a higher prevalence of hearing loss 58% of classical musicians have a hearing loss • 30% of rock/pop musicians have a hearing loss • 86% of musicians & concert goers have experienced ringing or buzzing afterwards • Hearing loss can be asymmetric due to instrument placement
Exposure levels by section • Woodwind: 90-108 dB SPL • Strings: 86-109 dB SPL • Brass: 83-110 dB SPL • Percussion: >120 dB SPL • Orchestra: 87-98 dB SPL • Amp. Guitar: >155 dB SPL • Band: 120 dB SPL
OSHA SOUND LEVEL EXPOSURES • According to OSHA, hearing protection needs to be worn when exposure to these high noise levels exceeds the length of exposure given • Each line is the acceptable exposure limit per 24 hours
Daily Environmental Noise Levels • Whisper at 6 feet: 30 dB • Average conversation at 3 ft: 60-65 dB • Average alarm clock: 70 dB • Playing the piano: 85 dB • Attending a symphony concert: 90 dB • Fireworks: 140 dB
Prevention of Hearing Loss • Noise Exposure In Moderation • Be alert to hazardous noise levels • Wear hearing protection devices!
Disposable earplugs • Pre-formed or Hand formed • Cost effective • Most comfortable • Universal fit in >90% of population Courtesy of: directindustry.com Courtesy of : macksearplugs.com
Properly Fitting Disposable Earplugs • Roll earplug between thumb and index finger to the smallest size possible • Pull up and back on pinna • Insert earplug so that at least 2/3 of the plug is in the ear canal • Use index finger to hold earplug in place while it expands • Ensure there are no creases in plug
Ear canal caps • Universal fit • Quickly inserted • Moderately inexpensive
Ear muffs • Universal fit • Can be worn with earplugs • Easiest to wear
Custom earplugs • Common option for musicians • More expensive but are custom • Earmold Impressions • Typically are more comfortable and can provide a better seal • Most companies have a choice of either 9, 15, or 25 dB filters on earplugs
Louisiana Tech Speech & Hearing Clinic • Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations • FREE to all Tech Students • Custom Fit Earplugs • Can be purchased from the clinic • Additional information • Robinson Hall • 318-257-4766
Additional Resources • Sound level meter apps • Setting lower maximum volume on mobile devices • http://www.hearnet.com/ • http://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearthemusic/ • http://www.musiciansclinics.com/hearing_loss.asp • www.playitdown.org • Download free app to hear what your music sounds like to different age groups, challenge friends to see who detects the highest frequency, and check the sound levels for every room
conclusion • Most people realize that loud volumes can cause hearing damage but do nothing about it. • How long and how loud you are exposed to the sound can affect your hearing. • The use of hearing protection can aid in conserving your hearing.
references • Chasin, Marshall. (2009). Musicians and the Prevention of Hearing Loss. [Powerpoint Slides]. Retrieved from American Academy of Audiology. Website: www.audiology.org/documents/AN2009Handouts/LM302_Chasin.pdf • Chasin, Marshall. Hearing Loss Prevention for Musicians- moderation, ear plugs, and humming. CoordinateMovement. Retrieved September 25, 2012, from www.coordinatemovement.com/articles/HearingLossPreventionForMusicians.pdf • Mendelson, Andrew (2011, July 25). 10 Famous Musicians with Hearing Damage. ListVerse. Retrieved September 25, 2012, from listverse.com/2011/07/25/10-famous-musicians-with-hearing-loss • Musicians risk their hearing. (2006, October, 10). Hear-it: hearing, hearing loss, hard of hearing, hearing impairment. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from www.musicmotion.com/content/mim/pdfs/musicians%20risk%20hearing.pdf • http://www.agius.com/hew/resource/nihl.htm • https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/noise.aspx#what