Developing methods of assessing sound exposure experienced by professional musicians and the principles of reducing it

Project manager: Emil Kozłowski M.Sc. (Eng.)

Project summary:

The task consisted in developing a method of assessing sound exposure levels experienced by professional musicians. This method was used to measure sound during rehearsals and a concert of a woodwind orchestra and rock and jazz bands. The obtained values of sound exposure level related to an 8-h work day during a concert and rehearsals of a woodwind orchestra showed that the admissible value was significantly exceeded. The measurement of sound for rock music took place during concerts of five bands playing in a stadium. The sound exposure level related to an 8-h work day during rock concerts exceeded the admissible value for all musicians who took part in the measurements. The measurement of sound for jazz music took place during a concert of three bands that played in a small club. The sound exposure level related to an 8-h work day during rock concerts exceeded the admissible value for all musicians who took part in the measurements. There were audiometric tests of the threshold of hearing after exposure to classic and rock music without earplugs and after they were used. Tests showed sound-induced hearing fatigue during concerts of classical or rock music. Repeated audiometric measurements showed full elimination - after 9-dB earplugs were used - of hazard caused by exposure to sound in the case of classical music; 15-dB earplugs eliminated hearing fatigue caused by rock music. The efficiency of sound screens for musicians was also tested. It was shown that a sound screen is an efficient solution for reducing exposure to the sound of the trumpet, flute, piccolo, oboe, violin and cymbal. Principles of selecting and using earplugs by musicians were developed, as were guidelines, recommendations and information materials on reducing exposure to sound for professional musicians.

Unit: Department of Vibroacustic Hazards

Duration: 01.01.2008 – 30.12.2010