Jessica Newman, Au.D. Kaylee Laitinen Jessica Coker 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 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). National Institute of deafness and other communication disorders (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. sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These sensitive structures, called hair cells, are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals that travel to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

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 Temporary hearing loss is a warning sign for further damage & to change your listening habits

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 Difficultly understanding speech Problems with communication

Impact of Hearing loss Explain what this is and how it relates to what we hear. HL = Problems on phone, TV, in noise. Say I can Hear but don’t understand ppl. Etc…

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 POSSIBLE issues in the future

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 Musicians have this issue

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 Asymmetry – explain what this means

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 Peaks- These are the max outputs of instruments, maybe say “the highest is output is from…., the lowest output is from ….” OSHA – Anything above 85dB 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

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 8 hours 90 dBA 6 hours 92 dBA 4 hours 95 dBA 3 hours 97 dBA 2 hours 100 dBA 1.5 hours 102 dBA 1 hour 105 dBA 0.5 hour 110 dBA 0.25 hour 115 dBA According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), any individual who is exposed to noise levels of 90 dB(A) for eight and a half hours or more in a single day, without hearing protection, is at risk for hearing impairment (OSHA, 2002).

How can we avoid HL: Know what is safe exposure: 85 dB for 8 hrs per day Examples

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 Now knowing what we have learned thus far lets look again and think about the noise we encounter daily

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 Complete Demonstration – Get these plugs from the clinic Kaylee

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 General Rule of Thumb, But can vary 9 – vocalists 15 – string instruments 25 - percussions

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 Discuss – hearing evaluation services are FREE to all tech students.

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