Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a cor... more Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a corresponding tone to the presented sound. This ability, which is dependent on pitch perception ability, can vary among individuals, and some are not able to sing in the correct tune or discriminate differences between tones. Objective To correlate pitch-matching accuracy and auditory processing in individuals without musical training. Methods A Pitch-Matching Test (vocal reproduction of synthesized and human voice sounds) and two commercially available tests of auditory temporal processing (the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test and the Random Gap Detection Test) were administered to all participants. A total of 62 college students of both genders, aged between 18 and 35 years old, were divided into 2 groups, according to their performances in the Pitch-Matching Test (the accurate match group and the inaccurate match group). Results In the Pitch-Matching Test, both groups achieved better results when reproducing vocalized sounds. The accurate match group achieved a significantly higher pitch pattern sequence test performance. In the Random Gap Detection Test analysis, there were no differences between the two groups. The Pearson's chi-squared test showed a direct correlation between the Pitch-Matching Test and the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest the existence of a significant relationship between temporal auditory processing and pitch-matching, through which accurate pitch-matching individuals perform better in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Inaccurate pitch-matching individuals may be skilled at discriminating pitch, despite their poor performance in the Pitch-Matching Test.
Tinnitus is one of the most reported auditory symptoms among musicians and can negatively influen... more Tinnitus is one of the most reported auditory symptoms among musicians and can negatively influence their ability to work, sometimes even more severely than hearing loss. Objectives: To analyze the occurrence of tinnitus and other auditory symptoms in musicians who play different instruments. Methods: One hundred musicians participated by answering a questionnaire on instrument played, practice time with the instrument, occurrence of tinnitus, hearing difficulties, and intolerance to loud sounds. The symptoms were analyzed in relation to gender, musical instrument, and time of experience using statistical tests such as the Chi-squared test and Difference in Proportions test at a significance level of 0.05 as well as finding the Prevalence Ratio. Results: Tinnitus was the most frequent symptom among musicians, especially among those who play amplified instruments. There was an association between tinnitus and hearing difficulty, and between instrument experience time and intolerance to loud sounds. The proportion of musicians with occasional tinnitus was high among those with less than 15 years of musical practice, and 4.53 times more prevalent in those with more than 15 years of experience. Conclusion: The presence of auditory symptoms, especially tinnitus, among musicians reinforces the need for implementation of hearing conservation programs for this profession.
Purpose: To analyze the impact of exposure to music in the hearing process and quality of life in... more Purpose: To analyze the impact of exposure to music in the hearing process and quality of life in musicians of a symphony orchestra. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-cut, quantitative study on the aspects of hearing health in 30 musicians of the symphony orchestra of Paraná, ages between 33 and 54 years. The sound pressure levels that musicians are exposed to were measured during the orchestra rehearsal, and participants answered a questionnaire about the musical practice as well as the SF-36 questionnaire, which investigates the quality of life. Conventional audiometry and high-frequency audiometry were applied. Results: During the orchestra rehearsal, hazardous sound pressure levels to musicians' hearing health were observed. The commonest symptoms reported were tinnitus and intolerance to intense sounds. In the conventional audiometry test, more than half of the musicians featured sensorineural hearing loss, and the worst results were found in high frequencies. In the high-frequency audiometry test, higher auditory thresholds were also found in higher frequencies. As for quality of life, there was significant correlation for musicians with hearing loss in the domain " limitation due to emotional aspects ". Conclusion: the sound pressure levels that musicians are exposed to are excessive and represent a risk to hearing health. Hearing loss and other auditory symptoms can interfere in their quality of life, once hearing is essential to this professional category.
Objectives: To analyze the habits and behavior of adolescents exposed to amplified music with hea... more Objectives: To analyze the habits and behavior of adolescents exposed to amplified music with headphones and its implications on their hearing health. Methods: One hundred thirty-one high school students, aged 15 to 18 years were given a questionnaire containing closed questions regarding their habits and behavior related to personal stereos use. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study and used the Chi-square test. Results: It was shown that 79% of young people make use of portable music devices, 61.83% have a habit of using them often, 34.35% have long periods of exposure, and 37.40% use them at high volume. In terms of symptoms, present were: difficulty concentrating 63.36%; the need to ask people to repeat what was said 64.12%; the need to increase the TV volume 43.51%; tinnitus 38.93%, excitability 38.93%; and 36.64% of teens say they are somewhat worried about losing their hearing through the use of personal stereos. For the preventive aspects, 90.84% believe that noise is part of society, 80.92% find it important to reduce noise pollution, 51.91% would like to know the influence of the noise/pollution, but 74.81% would not like to participate in projects with questions about hearing health. Conclusion: The youths in this study are making indiscriminate use of personal stereos with headphones, within a population at risk for hearing loss considering its habits. Hearing Health Promotion Programs are recommended for this population.
Introdução: A identificação de problemas auditivos nas escolas torna possível a elaboração de açõ... more Introdução: A identificação de problemas auditivos nas escolas torna possível a elaboração de ações de promoção da saúde auditiva e de prevenção de alterações auditivas. Objetivo: Avaliar a audição de crianças de uma escola pública de Ensino Fundamental I. Material e Método: Forma de estudo: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. Foi realizada audiometria tonal limiar em 406 alunos da 1ª a 4ª série de uma escola pública de ensino Fundamental I. A avaliação audiológica foi realizada na escola com audiômetro MAICO MA41, em cabina acústica. Resultados: Entre as 406 crianças, 50 (12,3%) apresentaram alterações auditivas em uma ou ambas as orelhas, em uma ou mais frequências, sendo as piores médias de limiares na frequência de 6000 Hz com alterações em 51,7% das orelhas direitas e 356 crianças (87,7%) obtiveram resultados normais. Conclusões: A avaliação auditiva em escolares, dentro da própria escola é válida para a detecção de perdas auditivas. Pelo fato de 12,3% das crianças terem apresentado alterações, impõe-se o desenvolvimento de programas de prevenção em saúde auditiva. Frente aos resultados também encontrados neste estudo, ou seja, piores limiares em 6000 Hz, faz-se necessária maior atenção aos hábitos auditivos que as crianças vêm desenvolvendo, cada vez mais precocemente. .
A música em forte intensidade, assim como o ruído, provoca lesões irreversíveis no sistema auditi... more A música em forte intensidade, assim como o ruído, provoca lesões irreversíveis no sistema auditivo. Perdas auditivas, mesmo que leves, podem dificultar a percepção de tons e timbres, o que para o músico pode significar, muitas vezes, o fim de sua carreira. No entanto, somente os trabalhadores expostos a ruído intenso são amparados legalmente no que se refere à saúde auditiva. Os músicos, embora uma categoria profissional, não têm essa mesma atenção. O presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre as condições de trabalho dos profissionais músicos pela análise de artigos referentes a essa temática, bem como os impactos dessas condições na saúde auditiva e as questões que envolvem uma legislação que poderia beneficiar esses profissionais. No entanto, abordar a questão de que a intensidade sonora elevada da música é o resultado do próprio trabalho do músico, é de certa forma delicada, pois é justamente a intensidade elevada a fonte de sobrecarga auditiva que afeta sua saúde, ou seja, uma vez que o maior nível sonoro para o ouvido é produzido pelo próprio instrumento, o músico tem que se defender do som que ele próprio emite.
Purpose: To analyze and characterize tonal auditory thresholds between 500 Hz and 16,000 Hz of p... more Purpose: To analyze and characterize tonal auditory thresholds between 500 Hz and 16,000 Hz of professional musicians, specifically members of a military band. Methods: A historic cohort study was carried out comparing one group of 50 professional musicians (military band) with another group (44 subjects) without history of professional exposure to intense sound; the groups were homogenous (p<0.05%) in relation to gender (male) and age (about 35 years old). Tone threshold audiometry for conventional (from 500 to 8,000 Hz) and high frequencies was applied (from 9,000 to 16,000 Hz). Results: Exposure to music triggered permanent hearing impairment. As to conventional auditory thresholds, the exposed and non-exposed groups presented sensorineural hearing loss of 32 and 2.27%, respectively. The subjects exposed to music had 14.54 times more risks of acquiring sensorineural hearing loss than the non-exposed group. After 20 years of exposure to music, significant worsening was observed in auditory thresholds, especially at extended high frequencies, and differences occurred between the groups from the age of 30 on. Conclusion: Exposure to music caused permanent hearing impairment, showing differences in relation to the non-exposed group, registered in conventional audiometry and at high-frequency audiometry. RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e caracterizar os limiares auditivos tonais entre 500 Hz e 16.000 Hz de músicos profissionais, integrantes de uma banda militar. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte histórico, que comparou um grupo de 50 músicos profissionais (banda militar) com um grupo sem histórico de exposição profissional a som intenso (44 sujeitos); e homogêneos (p<0,05) em relação ao gênero (masculino) e à idade (em torno de 35 anos). Foram realizados exames de audiometria tonal limiar convencional e de altas frequências (de 9.000 a 16.000 Hz). Resultados: A exposição à música desencadeou alterações auditivas permanentes. Quanto aos limiares auditivos convencionais, no grupo exposto encontrou-se 32% dos músicos com alterações auditivas neurossensoriais e no grupo não exposto encontrou-se 2,27%. Os sujeitos expostos à música tiveram 14,54 vezes mais risco de adquirir alterações auditivas neurossensoriais do que o grupo não exposto. Após 20 anos de exposição à música foram observadas pioras significativas nos limiares auditivos, principalmente nas altas frequências, e ocorreram diferenças entre os grupos a partir de 30 anos de idade. Conclusão: A exposição à música desencadeou alterações auditivas permanentes, evidenciando diferenças em relação ao grupo não exposto à música, registradas na avaliação audiológica convencional e em altas frequências.
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the workers’ perception of comfort and use aspects regarding two... more Purpose: To evaluate and compare the workers’ perception of comfort and use aspects regarding two types of hearing protectors (shell and earplug), in three units from a lumbering company, with different implantation times for Hearing Preservation Programs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study comparing 440 workers’ perception of hearing protectors, from three companies in Paraná State (Brazil), with different times for Hearing Preservation Programs. Two closed questionnaires were applied (9 and 10 questions, respectively), with a scale of answers varying from 1 to 5 (Likert’s scale) regarding the perception of the comfort of hearing protectors. Then, audiometry results were analyzed. Results: About 17.5% presented audiogram examinations with alterations. With regard to the questionnaire about the comfort perception, the importance of noise attenuation (mean of 4.25) was the most relevant aspect, followed by communication possibility (mean of 4.15). In the protector assessment, Unit A with more Hearing Preservation Program time presented better scores for both the worker’s perception of important aspects regarding hearing protector and for the assessment of the used hearing protector. There was a significant difference on communication difficulty with the use of a hearing protector among workers with normal and altered audiograms (p=0.0371). With regard to the global comfort in the comparison of workers using the shell-type hearing protector with those using insert-type hearing protectors, there was no difference (p=0.2264), irrespective of the type of the unit. Conclusion: In general, the unit workers presented a good perception of the important aspects about the hearing protection use of both types of hearing protectors.
Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre re... more Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre recognition and tuning of instruments. Aim: To analyze the hearing thresholds from 250 Hz to 16,000 Hz in a group of music students and compare them to a non-musician group in order to determine whether high-frequency audiometry is a useful tool in the early detection of hearing impairment. Methods: Study design was a retrospective observational cohort. Conventional and highfrequency audiometry was performed in 42 music students (Madsen Itera II audiometer and TDH39P headphones for conventional audiometry, and HDA 200 headphones for high-frequency audiometry). Results: Of the 42 students, 38.1% were female students and 61.9% were male students, with a mean age of 26 years. At conventional audiometry, 92.85% had hearing thresholds within normal limits; but even within the normal limits, the worst results were observed in the left ear for all frequencies, except for 4000 Hz; compared to the non-musician group, the worst results occurred at 500 Hz in the left ear, and at 250 Hz, 6000 Hz, 9000 Hz, 10,000 Hz, and 11,200 Hz in both the ears. Conclusion: The periodic evaluation of high-frequency thresholds may be useful in the early detection of hearing loss in musicians.
Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre re... more Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre recognition and tuning of instruments. Aim: To analyze the hearing thresholds from 250 Hz to 16,000 Hz in a group of music students and compare them to a non-musician group in order to determine whether high-frequency audiometry is a useful tool in the early detection of hearing impairment. Methods: Study design was a retrospective observational cohort. Conventional and high-frequency audiometry was performed in 42 music students (Madsen Itera II audiometer and TDH39P headphones for conventional audiometry, and HDA 200 headphones for high-frequency audiometry). Results: Of the 42 students, 38.1% were female students and 61.9% were male students, with a mean age of 26 years. At conventional audiometry, 92.85% had hearing thresholds within normal limits; but even within the normal limits, the worst results were observed in the left ear for all frequencies, except for 4000 Hz; compared to the non-musician group, the worst results occurred at 500 Hz in the left ear, and at 250 Hz, 6000 Hz, 9000 Hz, 10,000 Hz, and 11,200 Hz in both the ears. Conclusion: The periodic evaluation of high-frequency thresholds may be useful in the early detection of hearing loss in musicians.
Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a cor... more Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a corresponding tone to the presented sound. This ability, which is dependent on pitch perception ability, can vary among individuals, and some are not able to sing in the correct tune or discriminate differences between tones. Objective To correlate pitch-matching accuracy and auditory processing in individuals without musical training. Methods A Pitch-Matching Test (vocal reproduction of synthesized and human voice sounds) and two commercially available tests of auditory temporal processing (the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test and the Random Gap Detection Test) were administered to all participants. A total of 62 college students of both genders, aged between 18 and 35 years old, were divided into 2 groups, according to their performances in the Pitch-Matching Test (the accurate match group and the inaccurate match group). Results In the Pitch-Matching Test, both groups achieved better results when reproducing vocalized sounds. The accurate match group achieved a significantly higher pitch pattern sequence test performance. In the Random Gap Detection Test analysis, there were no differences between the two groups. The Pearson's chi-squared test showed a direct correlation between the Pitch-Matching Test and the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest the existence of a significant relationship between temporal auditory processing and pitch-matching, through which accurate pitch-matching individuals perform better in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Inaccurate pitch-matching individuals may be skilled at discriminating pitch, despite their poor performance in the Pitch-Matching Test.
Tinnitus is one of the most reported auditory symptoms among musicians and can negatively influen... more Tinnitus is one of the most reported auditory symptoms among musicians and can negatively influence their ability to work, sometimes even more severely than hearing loss. Objectives: To analyze the occurrence of tinnitus and other auditory symptoms in musicians who play different instruments. Methods: One hundred musicians participated by answering a questionnaire on instrument played, practice time with the instrument, occurrence of tinnitus, hearing difficulties, and intolerance to loud sounds. The symptoms were analyzed in relation to gender, musical instrument, and time of experience using statistical tests such as the Chi-squared test and Difference in Proportions test at a significance level of 0.05 as well as finding the Prevalence Ratio. Results: Tinnitus was the most frequent symptom among musicians, especially among those who play amplified instruments. There was an association between tinnitus and hearing difficulty, and between instrument experience time and intolerance to loud sounds. The proportion of musicians with occasional tinnitus was high among those with less than 15 years of musical practice, and 4.53 times more prevalent in those with more than 15 years of experience. Conclusion: The presence of auditory symptoms, especially tinnitus, among musicians reinforces the need for implementation of hearing conservation programs for this profession.
Purpose: To analyze the impact of exposure to music in the hearing process and quality of life in... more Purpose: To analyze the impact of exposure to music in the hearing process and quality of life in musicians of a symphony orchestra. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-cut, quantitative study on the aspects of hearing health in 30 musicians of the symphony orchestra of Paraná, ages between 33 and 54 years. The sound pressure levels that musicians are exposed to were measured during the orchestra rehearsal, and participants answered a questionnaire about the musical practice as well as the SF-36 questionnaire, which investigates the quality of life. Conventional audiometry and high-frequency audiometry were applied. Results: During the orchestra rehearsal, hazardous sound pressure levels to musicians' hearing health were observed. The commonest symptoms reported were tinnitus and intolerance to intense sounds. In the conventional audiometry test, more than half of the musicians featured sensorineural hearing loss, and the worst results were found in high frequencies. In the high-frequency audiometry test, higher auditory thresholds were also found in higher frequencies. As for quality of life, there was significant correlation for musicians with hearing loss in the domain " limitation due to emotional aspects ". Conclusion: the sound pressure levels that musicians are exposed to are excessive and represent a risk to hearing health. Hearing loss and other auditory symptoms can interfere in their quality of life, once hearing is essential to this professional category.
Objectives: To analyze the habits and behavior of adolescents exposed to amplified music with hea... more Objectives: To analyze the habits and behavior of adolescents exposed to amplified music with headphones and its implications on their hearing health. Methods: One hundred thirty-one high school students, aged 15 to 18 years were given a questionnaire containing closed questions regarding their habits and behavior related to personal stereos use. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study and used the Chi-square test. Results: It was shown that 79% of young people make use of portable music devices, 61.83% have a habit of using them often, 34.35% have long periods of exposure, and 37.40% use them at high volume. In terms of symptoms, present were: difficulty concentrating 63.36%; the need to ask people to repeat what was said 64.12%; the need to increase the TV volume 43.51%; tinnitus 38.93%, excitability 38.93%; and 36.64% of teens say they are somewhat worried about losing their hearing through the use of personal stereos. For the preventive aspects, 90.84% believe that noise is part of society, 80.92% find it important to reduce noise pollution, 51.91% would like to know the influence of the noise/pollution, but 74.81% would not like to participate in projects with questions about hearing health. Conclusion: The youths in this study are making indiscriminate use of personal stereos with headphones, within a population at risk for hearing loss considering its habits. Hearing Health Promotion Programs are recommended for this population.
Introdução: A identificação de problemas auditivos nas escolas torna possível a elaboração de açõ... more Introdução: A identificação de problemas auditivos nas escolas torna possível a elaboração de ações de promoção da saúde auditiva e de prevenção de alterações auditivas. Objetivo: Avaliar a audição de crianças de uma escola pública de Ensino Fundamental I. Material e Método: Forma de estudo: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. Foi realizada audiometria tonal limiar em 406 alunos da 1ª a 4ª série de uma escola pública de ensino Fundamental I. A avaliação audiológica foi realizada na escola com audiômetro MAICO MA41, em cabina acústica. Resultados: Entre as 406 crianças, 50 (12,3%) apresentaram alterações auditivas em uma ou ambas as orelhas, em uma ou mais frequências, sendo as piores médias de limiares na frequência de 6000 Hz com alterações em 51,7% das orelhas direitas e 356 crianças (87,7%) obtiveram resultados normais. Conclusões: A avaliação auditiva em escolares, dentro da própria escola é válida para a detecção de perdas auditivas. Pelo fato de 12,3% das crianças terem apresentado alterações, impõe-se o desenvolvimento de programas de prevenção em saúde auditiva. Frente aos resultados também encontrados neste estudo, ou seja, piores limiares em 6000 Hz, faz-se necessária maior atenção aos hábitos auditivos que as crianças vêm desenvolvendo, cada vez mais precocemente. .
A música em forte intensidade, assim como o ruído, provoca lesões irreversíveis no sistema auditi... more A música em forte intensidade, assim como o ruído, provoca lesões irreversíveis no sistema auditivo. Perdas auditivas, mesmo que leves, podem dificultar a percepção de tons e timbres, o que para o músico pode significar, muitas vezes, o fim de sua carreira. No entanto, somente os trabalhadores expostos a ruído intenso são amparados legalmente no que se refere à saúde auditiva. Os músicos, embora uma categoria profissional, não têm essa mesma atenção. O presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre as condições de trabalho dos profissionais músicos pela análise de artigos referentes a essa temática, bem como os impactos dessas condições na saúde auditiva e as questões que envolvem uma legislação que poderia beneficiar esses profissionais. No entanto, abordar a questão de que a intensidade sonora elevada da música é o resultado do próprio trabalho do músico, é de certa forma delicada, pois é justamente a intensidade elevada a fonte de sobrecarga auditiva que afeta sua saúde, ou seja, uma vez que o maior nível sonoro para o ouvido é produzido pelo próprio instrumento, o músico tem que se defender do som que ele próprio emite.
Purpose: To analyze and characterize tonal auditory thresholds between 500 Hz and 16,000 Hz of p... more Purpose: To analyze and characterize tonal auditory thresholds between 500 Hz and 16,000 Hz of professional musicians, specifically members of a military band. Methods: A historic cohort study was carried out comparing one group of 50 professional musicians (military band) with another group (44 subjects) without history of professional exposure to intense sound; the groups were homogenous (p<0.05%) in relation to gender (male) and age (about 35 years old). Tone threshold audiometry for conventional (from 500 to 8,000 Hz) and high frequencies was applied (from 9,000 to 16,000 Hz). Results: Exposure to music triggered permanent hearing impairment. As to conventional auditory thresholds, the exposed and non-exposed groups presented sensorineural hearing loss of 32 and 2.27%, respectively. The subjects exposed to music had 14.54 times more risks of acquiring sensorineural hearing loss than the non-exposed group. After 20 years of exposure to music, significant worsening was observed in auditory thresholds, especially at extended high frequencies, and differences occurred between the groups from the age of 30 on. Conclusion: Exposure to music caused permanent hearing impairment, showing differences in relation to the non-exposed group, registered in conventional audiometry and at high-frequency audiometry. RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar e caracterizar os limiares auditivos tonais entre 500 Hz e 16.000 Hz de músicos profissionais, integrantes de uma banda militar. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo de coorte histórico, que comparou um grupo de 50 músicos profissionais (banda militar) com um grupo sem histórico de exposição profissional a som intenso (44 sujeitos); e homogêneos (p<0,05) em relação ao gênero (masculino) e à idade (em torno de 35 anos). Foram realizados exames de audiometria tonal limiar convencional e de altas frequências (de 9.000 a 16.000 Hz). Resultados: A exposição à música desencadeou alterações auditivas permanentes. Quanto aos limiares auditivos convencionais, no grupo exposto encontrou-se 32% dos músicos com alterações auditivas neurossensoriais e no grupo não exposto encontrou-se 2,27%. Os sujeitos expostos à música tiveram 14,54 vezes mais risco de adquirir alterações auditivas neurossensoriais do que o grupo não exposto. Após 20 anos de exposição à música foram observadas pioras significativas nos limiares auditivos, principalmente nas altas frequências, e ocorreram diferenças entre os grupos a partir de 30 anos de idade. Conclusão: A exposição à música desencadeou alterações auditivas permanentes, evidenciando diferenças em relação ao grupo não exposto à música, registradas na avaliação audiológica convencional e em altas frequências.
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the workers’ perception of comfort and use aspects regarding two... more Purpose: To evaluate and compare the workers’ perception of comfort and use aspects regarding two types of hearing protectors (shell and earplug), in three units from a lumbering company, with different implantation times for Hearing Preservation Programs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study comparing 440 workers’ perception of hearing protectors, from three companies in Paraná State (Brazil), with different times for Hearing Preservation Programs. Two closed questionnaires were applied (9 and 10 questions, respectively), with a scale of answers varying from 1 to 5 (Likert’s scale) regarding the perception of the comfort of hearing protectors. Then, audiometry results were analyzed. Results: About 17.5% presented audiogram examinations with alterations. With regard to the questionnaire about the comfort perception, the importance of noise attenuation (mean of 4.25) was the most relevant aspect, followed by communication possibility (mean of 4.15). In the protector assessment, Unit A with more Hearing Preservation Program time presented better scores for both the worker’s perception of important aspects regarding hearing protector and for the assessment of the used hearing protector. There was a significant difference on communication difficulty with the use of a hearing protector among workers with normal and altered audiograms (p=0.0371). With regard to the global comfort in the comparison of workers using the shell-type hearing protector with those using insert-type hearing protectors, there was no difference (p=0.2264), irrespective of the type of the unit. Conclusion: In general, the unit workers presented a good perception of the important aspects about the hearing protection use of both types of hearing protectors.
Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre re... more Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre recognition and tuning of instruments. Aim: To analyze the hearing thresholds from 250 Hz to 16,000 Hz in a group of music students and compare them to a non-musician group in order to determine whether high-frequency audiometry is a useful tool in the early detection of hearing impairment. Methods: Study design was a retrospective observational cohort. Conventional and highfrequency audiometry was performed in 42 music students (Madsen Itera II audiometer and TDH39P headphones for conventional audiometry, and HDA 200 headphones for high-frequency audiometry). Results: Of the 42 students, 38.1% were female students and 61.9% were male students, with a mean age of 26 years. At conventional audiometry, 92.85% had hearing thresholds within normal limits; but even within the normal limits, the worst results were observed in the left ear for all frequencies, except for 4000 Hz; compared to the non-musician group, the worst results occurred at 500 Hz in the left ear, and at 250 Hz, 6000 Hz, 9000 Hz, 10,000 Hz, and 11,200 Hz in both the ears. Conclusion: The periodic evaluation of high-frequency thresholds may be useful in the early detection of hearing loss in musicians.
Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre re... more Introduction: Research has shown that hearing loss in musicians may cause difficulty in timbre recognition and tuning of instruments. Aim: To analyze the hearing thresholds from 250 Hz to 16,000 Hz in a group of music students and compare them to a non-musician group in order to determine whether high-frequency audiometry is a useful tool in the early detection of hearing impairment. Methods: Study design was a retrospective observational cohort. Conventional and high-frequency audiometry was performed in 42 music students (Madsen Itera II audiometer and TDH39P headphones for conventional audiometry, and HDA 200 headphones for high-frequency audiometry). Results: Of the 42 students, 38.1% were female students and 61.9% were male students, with a mean age of 26 years. At conventional audiometry, 92.85% had hearing thresholds within normal limits; but even within the normal limits, the worst results were observed in the left ear for all frequencies, except for 4000 Hz; compared to the non-musician group, the worst results occurred at 500 Hz in the left ear, and at 250 Hz, 6000 Hz, 9000 Hz, 10,000 Hz, and 11,200 Hz in both the ears. Conclusion: The periodic evaluation of high-frequency thresholds may be useful in the early detection of hearing loss in musicians.
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