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Hearing Loss Prevention (HLP)

PP703 - Assessment of Education of Music-Induced Hearing Loss and Hearing Protection in Musicians

Posters
Location: Halls 4EF

    Lead Presenter(s)

  • Lucy Puranen, BS (she/her/hers)

    Graduate Student
    University of South Alabama
    University of South Alabama
    Mobile, Alabama

    Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant financial relationships with anything to disclose.
    Non-Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant non-financial relationships with anything to disclose.

    PDF Slides

    • Contributor(s)

  • Ashley Flagge, AuD, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Assistant Professor of Audiology
    University of South Alabama
    University of South Alabama
    Mobile, Alabama

    Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant financial relationships with anything to disclose.
    Non-Financial Disclosures: I do not have any relevant non-financial relationships with anything to disclose.

Abstract:
Music-induced hearing loss and the consistent usage of hearing protection has been a common research interest due to the cognitive dissonance between the environment and education within the music education field.

The present study examined the music-induced hearing loss knowledge of high school and college students. Students were surveyed about their own educational experience and use of hearing protection. 

Results indicated that while college students know more and wear hearing protection more often, neither group wears hearing protection consistently. It was also found that students are not being educated consistently on the hazardous levels to which they are exposed.

Summary:
Prior studies have shown that musicians are exposed to hazardous noise levels and are aware of the levels that they are being exposed to. However, when asked about hearing protection, a majority of musicians deny even using it. The purpose of this study was to examine the current knowledge of college and high school band students and determine the relationship between their current health behaviors and the education they are receiving. 

A total of 195 high school students and 161 college students were surveyed regarding knowledge of music-induced hearing loss, the types of education received within the different programs regarding hearing health, and personal practices with hearing protection.. 

Results revealed that college students know more about MIHL and wear hearing protection more often than high school students, however, neither group uses hearing protection that often. It was also found that percussionists are more likely to wear hearing protection compared to any other instrumental group. Finally, it was found that a majority of band students are not being properly educated on music-induced hearing loss at regular intervals. Previous studies have shown that behaviors can be changed with consistent education. Standardized music curriculum including proper hearing health practices will help reduce reports of MIHL and increase the use of hearing protection altogether.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how education impacts use of hearing protection.