Pop-rock musicians: assessment of their satisfaction provided by hearing protectors.
Pop-rock musicians are at risk of developing hearing loss and other symptoms related to amplified music.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess the satisfaction provided by the use of hearing protection in pop-rock musicians.


METHODS
Contemporary cohort study.


METHODS
A study of 23 male pop-rock musicians, aged between 25 to 45 years. After audiological evaluation (pure tone audiometry, middle ear analysis, TEOAE and DPOAE) hearing protective devices were provided to be used for three months. After that musicians answered a satisfaction assessment questionnaire.


RESULTS
The prevalence of hearing loss was of 21.7%. The most common complaints about the hearing protectors were: autophonia, pressure in the ears, interference in high frequencies perception and full time use of the hearing protector during concerts. There was a positive correlation between a reduction in tinnitus after the use of the HPD with the following complaints: tinnitus after beginning the career (p= 0.044), discomfort with the sound intensity in the work place (p= 0.009) and intolerance to loud sound (p= 0.029).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a high prevalence of hearing loss and a positive tendency towards the use of the ear protector device among the sample population.
Santoni
Cristiane Bolzachini
CB
Pontifical Catholic University, Sao Paulo.
Fiorini
Ana Claudia
AC
D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009146:Music; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control