Analysis of Factors Affecting Output Levels and Frequencies of MP3 Players

Exposure to high levels of music that could lead to music induced hearing loss (MIHL) has been of recent interest especially for young adults, considering their excessive use of personal listening devices such as MP3 player. More attention should be drawn to MIHL for noting that early noise exposure leads to earlier onset of presbycusis. In search of appropriate and safe listening habits for young adults, this investigation was aimed to evaluate output levels and frequencies generated by the Samsung galaxy note MP3 player depending on two earphone types; ear-bud and over-the-ear earphones and three music genres; rock, hip-hop, ballade. A sound level meter was used to measure output level and frequency spectrum between 12.5 and 16000 Hz at all 1/3-octave bands. The following results can be summarized. 1) The earphone styles did not produce significant difference in output levels, but the music genres did. However, the results of music genres varied. 2) Neither earphone styles nor music genres produced significant difference in frequency response spectrum, except music genres at the volume settings we usually listen to. Additionally, volume levels should be lower than 50% for usual listening situation. Through this investigation, it was noted that the frequency range was substantial between 50 and 1000 Hz regardless of the styles of earphones and music genres, implying that we should be cautious of this frequency range when we listen to music. Researchers should give more attention to the effects of the mixture of output level and frequency spectrum, considering that the auditory system has frequency specificity from the periphery to the central to provide refined methods for protecting our ears from MIHL.

Aceitação de protetores auditivos pelos componentes de banda instrumental e vocal / Acceptance of hearing protection aids in members of an instrumental and voice music band

Existem barreiras para a efetiva proteção auditiva entre músicos. OBJETIVO: Verificar a aceitação de protetor auditivo pelos componentes de banda instrumental e vocal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo realizado com a Banda Municipal de Indaial, em 2005. O grupo de estudo consistiu de 34 componentes. Os níveis de pressão sonora foram mensurados durante um ensaio. Os sujeitos responderam questionários e realizaram audiometria tonal. Os limiares tonais dos componentes da banda foram comparados a um grupo controle. Ministrado palestra e distribuído protetores auditivos por 3 meses. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de pressão sonora variaram de 96,4 dB(A) a 106,9 dB(A). As maiores queixas foram: incômodo a sons 58,8 por cento e zumbido 47 por cento. Ao compararmos a mediana dos limiares auditivos dos músicos com o grupo controle observou-se diferença significativa à direita nas freqüências de 4 e 6 kHz, e à esquerda nas freqüências de 3, 4 e 6 kHz. 77,1 por cento referiram que a música pode ocasionar prejuízo auditivo. 56,2 por cento referiram não ter gostado do protetor, 43,7 por cento referiram ter gostado. CONCLUSÃO: Os sujeitos têm a informação sobre o risco, mas não há prevenção em relação aos efeitos auditivos, sugerindo a necessidade de campanhas periódicas e legislação específica aos profissionais ligados à música.

There are barriers to effective hearing protection among musicians. AIM: To investigate the acceptance of hearing protection aids in members of an instrumental and voice music band. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study of 34 members of the Municipal Indaial Band. Sound pressure levels were measured during a rehearsal, indicating mean levels ranging from 96.4 dB(A) to 106.9 dB(A). Subjects answered questionnaires and underwent audiometry. They attended a lecture in which folders and hearing protection aids were provided; subjects were asked to try using the protectors for 3 months. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, 56.2 percent reported not liking hearing protection, while 43.7 percent accepted such protection. The most common complaints were discomfort with sounds (58.8 percent) and tinnitus (47 percent). 77.1 percent said that music might cause hearing impairment. A statistically significant difference was observed in the right ear at 4 and 6 kHz and at the left ear in 3, 4 and 6 kHz when median thresholds were compared with those from unexposed controls. CONCLUSION: Although most subjects seemed aware of the risk, few took preventive measures against hearing loss. This suggests the need for periodic educational campaigns and specific legislation tailored to music professionals.