Hearing in pop musicians

Abstract

Comparatively few previous studies have investigated the hearing of pop musicians. On the average, a surprisingly low percentage (5%) of hearing loss was demonstrated in 160 pop musicians. The present material comprises 83 musicians, with an average exposure of 9 years. Group mean hearing thresholds show only a slight deviation from normal. Age, weekly and total exposure time appear to increase the risk of hearing impairment. In the individual analysis 13-30% were found to have a sensorineural hearing loss, depending upon the definition of hearing loss. Subjects with hearing loss show a discrete impairment in the frequency range 3-8 kHz. Considering the sound levels and the length of exposure, the incidence of hearing loss is suprisingly low. Possible reasons for this are discussed.