Noise dosimetry of ensemble musicians at Brigham Young University—Idaho

Students studying music can be exposed to high levels of sound while practicing, both the sound they create and the sound created by those around them. While playing one’s instrument and creating sound are crucial to a student’s success, the music itself and ambient sound may result in noise-induced hearing loss for the musician. We have made noise dose measurements to investigate the sound that students are exposed to while practicing in a large symphonic ensemble. Contributing factors of high volumes of sound may include students’ instruments, a poorly insulated practice room, practice room resonances and reflection characteristics, and loud instruments being played in other rooms. Further research could include investigation of better insulated practice rooms, or possible rearrangements of musicians’ seating.