HEARING HEALTH
OVERVIEW
The Michigan Marching Band (MMB), the SMTD Wellness Initiative, and Michigan Medicine Audiology are collaborating to focus on the hearing health of marching band members. Good hearing is necessary for musical performance and for the well-being of college students. The goal of this collaboration is to support students to allow them to have a fun and memorable experience during their time in MMB, without the permanent effects of sound exposure.
Music Induced Hearing Disorders (MIHDs) including hearing loss, tinnitus, and sound distortions are caused when an individual is exposed to excessive loudness and duration of music. Excessive sound exposures tax the auditory system and can result in temporary and permanent effects, such as sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. College students who have MIHDs can experience a negative impact on their quality of life including heightened listening effort, social isolation, poor sleep, as well as anxiety and depression.
The good news is that MIHDs can be avoided with appropriate education and prevention measures. Reducing the loudness and duration of sound can keep music at safe exposure levels for students.
The recommendations for safe exposure, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, are as follows:
| Time to reach 100% daily noise dose | Exposure level |
|---|---|
| 8 hours | 85 dBA |
| 4 hours | 88 dBA |
| 2 hours | 91 dBA |
| 1 hour | 94 dBA |
| 30 minutes | 97 dBA |
| 15 minutes | 100 dBA |
Marching band volumes average 100 dBA, which means that the maximum daily dosage is reached within 15 minutes. If proper protection and prevention measures are not taken, participants may run a higher risk of hearing loss. Students will be provided with hearing screenings and education opportunities to increase awareness of sound exposure from marching band activities as well as recreational sound exposure. The importance of properly fitting hearing protection is an effective way to reduce loudness exposure to safe levels. Hearing screenings will assist in identifying at-risk students for MIHDs and provide them with the appropriate resources for comprehensive follow-up care.
HEARING HEALTH FOR MUSICIANS
Access to hearing protection
The MMB provides foam earplugs to all students and staff members to use throughout the season. Students who wish to supply their own earplugs, or would like to use a different kind of earplugs, may do so.
Contributors
Allie Heckman, AuD