HEARING CONSERVATION

An effective hearing conservation program with musicians consists of 4 main goals:

1. Assessment of the environments in which student musicians are exposed during rehearsals and performances

  • Sound levels are measured using devices called sound level meters or dosimeters
  • Dosimeters are a type of sound level meter that may be worn by an individual to measure one’s specific exposure to sound

 2.  Audiometric testing to determine whether the noise exposure is causing hearing loss

  • During testing, those involved in the hearing conservation program will go into a quiet sound booth, wear earphones, and listen to quiet tones
  • The purpose of the test is to determine the quietest level at which the participant can hear the tones
  • A baseline test is performed to determine preexisting hearing loss; annual audiograms follow to monitor hearing

3. Hearing protection devices

  • Custom and noncustom earplug options that are designed for musicians to maintain the sound quality of music while reducing the intensity level   

4.Educational component

  • Includes topics such as the ear and the hearing mechanism, hearing loss and its effects, tinnitus, hearing conservation