title: Sound Levels and Risk Perceptions of Music Students During Classes.
abstract: It is well recognized that professional musicians are at risk of hearing damage due to the exposure to high sound pressure levels during music playing. However, it is important to recognize that the musicians' exposure may start early in the course of their training as students in the classroom and at home. Studies regarding sound exposure of music students and their hearing disorders are scarce and do not take into account important influencing variables. Therefore, this study aimed to describe sound level exposures of music students at different music styles, classes, and according to the instrument played. Further, this investigation attempted to analyze the perceptions of students in relation to exposure to loud music and consequent health risks, as well as to characterize preventive behaviors. The results showed that music students are exposed to high sound levels in the course of their academic activity. This exposure is potentiated by practice outside the school and other external activities. Differences were found between music style, instruments, and classes. Tinnitus, hyperacusis, diplacusis, and sound distortion were reported by the students. However, students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high sound pressure levels. These findings reflect the importance of starting intervention in relation to noise risk reduction at an early stage, when musicians are commencing their activity as students.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Environmental Health , Research Centre on Health and Environment, Allied Health Sciences School of Polytechnic Institute of Porto , Vila Nova de Gaia , Portugal.
authors.forename: Matilde A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amorim
authors.forename: Manuela V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: Aida
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Octávio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Inácio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013016:Sound / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult