Noise exposure and hearing loss in classical orchestra musicians

Noise exposure and hearing loss was assessed in different instrument groups of a professional ballet orchestra. Those instrument groups experiencing the highest levels of exposure also had the highest pure tone thresholds. Critically, we found that thresholds were not uniform across instrument groups. The greatest difference in thresholds was observed at test frequencies above 2000 Hz, peaking at 4000 Hz where the average difference between groups was as high as 15 dB. The differences could not be accounted for on the basis of age, years of playing, or years of playing professionally, and are thus most likely due to differences in occupational noise exposure. Nonetheless, measured losses for all instrument groups did not approach clinically significant levels.Relevance to industryBy combining noise exposure and hearing loss assessment, this study provides information that extends current understanding of the occupational risks faced by professional musicians playing in orchestras. This information may be particularly useful in the design and implementation of hearing conservation programs.