Examining Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among University Marching Band Musicians

Previous research has found that collegiate marching band members may be regularly exposed to hazardous noise levels that have the potential to result in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), characterized by a threshold “notch” on hearing test results between 3,000 and 6,000 Hz. Repetitive exposure to unsafe sound levels may also result in cochlear synaptopathy, commonly referred to as hidden hearing loss (HHL), resulting in difficulty hearing speech in noise, despite normal audiometric findings. While suspected to be at an increased risk for HHL, a direct relationship between musicians and HHL has not been established. There is currently no “gold standard” differential assessment for HHL, but speech-in-noise assessments may provide some insight. The present study measured noise exposure among members of the 2024 Appalachian State University Marching Mountaineers (MM) during band camp using personal noise dosimeters. MM members also completed a survey about their use of hearing protection. Hearing assessments, including pure-tone audiometry and QuickSIN testing, were performed to determine if marching band members exhibited signs of NIHL or HHL. The results revealed that during band camp, MM members are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels, with drumline members at the highest risk of noise overexposure. Despite being provided hearing protection, most MM members reported not wearing it regularly. However, little evidence of NIHL or HHL was found in this collegiate marching band population, with only minimal NIHL and mild SNR loss in a minority of participants. The results suggest that collegiate marching band members, while exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels, do not present with clinically observable evidence of NIHL or HHL in pure-tone testing or speech in noise measurements.<p></p>