Questionnaire investigation of musicians’ use of hearing protectors, self reported hearing disorders and their experience of their working environment

Musicians in symphony orchestras are exposed to harmful sound levels. Although research shows that industrial workers have a higher propensity to noise induced hearing loss, musicians can also develop a hearing loss from noise exposure. Furthermore, musicians can suffer from tinnitus, hyperacusis, and distortion, among other hearing disorders, which can affect their work more severely than a hearing loss. This study investigated the use of hearing protectors, the prevalence of self-reported hearing disorders among musicians, and the importance of these hearing disorders to the musicians. The musicians at three Danish symphony orchestras were asked to complete a questionnaire on the topic. Results showed that Danish musicians are aware of the dangers of loud music, yet they rarely use hearing protectors and not always correctly; however, musicians with hearing disorders use hearing protectors more frequently. In addition, the musicians questioned suffered from different hearing disorders. Education is needed to change musicians’ opinion of hearing conservation and hearing protectors. The education must be directed to both the musicians and the administration of the symphony orchestras.